Photo Credit Travel Medford
Medford, OR. — Medford’s continued investment in recreational infrastructure produced significant economic returns in 2025, with two major sports venues generating a combined $23.16 million in estimated economic impact, according to city figures.
The Rogue Credit Union Community Complex, commonly known as Rogue X, and Lithia & Driveway Fields attracted hundreds of thousands of visitors, supported local businesses, and sustained jobs, reinforcing Medford’s role as a growing sports tourism destination in the Pacific Northwest.
Rogue X generated an estimated $9.79 million in economic impact in 2025, welcoming more than 105,000 aquatics visitors and hosting 65 major events in its second year of operation. Since opening on Jan. 6, 2024, the facility has produced approximately $16.49 million in total economic impact—about 21 percent of its $75.8 million construction cost.
Sporting events were a primary driver, with hundreds of youth basketball and volleyball teams competing at the facility. A partnership with the Manny Basketball Association accounted for 34 percent of Rogue X’s total economic impact. The venue also hosted futsal, wrestling, boxing, swimming, and cornhole events.
Trade shows and special events contributed additional activity. The two-day Barnstormer’s Holiday Bazaar drew more than 4,800 attendees and 190 vendors, generating an estimated $229,000 in economic impact. Rogue X also served as a community hub for swimming, hosting high school meets and serving as home to the Rogue Rapids youth swim program. In 2025, the facility conducted 1,326 swim lessons and hosted 455 birthday parties. Drop-in visits for basketball, volleyball, and pickleball increased 15 percent compared with 2024.
Lithia & Driveway Fields generated $13.37 million in estimated economic impact in 2025, welcoming 1,790 teams and 238,462 visitors. The complex experienced record-setting participation across multiple sports.
Softball activity expanded significantly through the city’s partnership with Legacy Sports, which brought 238 teams to seven tournaments and an additional 134 teams to four new fall tournaments. Including other events, 339 softball teams competed in 2025, representing a 47 percent increase over the previous year’s record.
Adult slowpitch softball also set new benchmarks, with 366 adult teams competing in 19 tournaments organized by Legacy Sports and local directors. Youth baseball tournaments drew 373 teams across ten events, narrowly trailing the 2024 record. Spring tournaments sold out within minutes, with many teams placed on waitlists.
Collegiate soccer added to the venue’s impact as the Cascade Collegiate Conference championships returned for a second year. Sixteen NAIA teams from four states participated, generating $455,752 in economic impact and accounting for 717 hotel room nights. Youth soccer, primarily through Rogue Valley Timbers Soccer Club activities, represented the majority of overall field use. The club’s Memorial Day tournament brought more than 200 teams to Medford, including 70 at Lithia & Driveway Fields, producing an estimated $1.1 million in economic impact over three days.
Since opening in 2008, Lithia & Driveway Fields has generated more than $185 million in estimated economic impact from 739 events, including $78 million in visitor spending—more than double its $32.5 million construction cost.
City officials say the results demonstrate how strategic investment in recreation and event partnerships continues to strengthen Medford’s economy and visibility as a regional sports destination.
About the Author
Discover more from Right Now Oregon
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
