Erie Sports Park ordered to close dome, stage due to code violations

Erie Sports Center in Summit Township will not be able to use its sports dome and outdoor stage until the facilities are "brought up to grade" with township construction regulations.

Orders outlining noncompliance and to vacate the facilities were issued Friday by Building Inspection Underwriters, which provides building permit and inspection services for Summit Township. The orders were issued because Erie Sports Center did not obtain building permits or occupancy certificates required for the structures, township officials said.

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"Erie Sports Center built the dome and stage without getting permits and without getting building inspections, which means no occupancy permits were granted," said Summit Township Supervisor Jack Lee, who oversees development for the township.

"It's about public safety," Lee said. "The reason for permits and inspections is to make sure that a building or facility is safe for people. Without them, if there was an accident or something would happen in one of these facilities, Summit Township would be liable."

BIU has worked with sports center owners to resolve the issues for more than a year, Lee said.

"BIU has emails and letters that were sent explaining what has to be done to bring those facilities up to snuff, and none of it has happened," Lee said. "Use of those facilities now is on hold until the owner gets them up to grade and BIU signs off."

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Once Erie Sports Center receives the BIU orders and the orders are posted on the dome and stage, the structures cannot be used until they are brought into compliance with the state's Uniform Construction Code adopted by the township in 2018.

Erie Sports Center additionally can be fined up to $1,000 a day plus costs for non-compliance, township attorney Tim Wachter said.

Erie Sports Center owner Troy Bingham declined to comment on the orders Tuesday.

The center's dome was rebuilt after it collapsed under the weight of heavy snow in January 2022. The 61,000-square-foot facility houses artificial turf fields used for baseball, soccer, softball, lacrosse and flag football, as well as a cafe, restaurant, sports store and events rooms, according to the sports center website.

The covered stage at the center is used for live music performances.

Erie Sports Center additionally was notified of safety concerns with its ice hockey and basketball facilities, including some exit doors that have been locked and chained when the facilities are in use, township officials said.

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The 60-acre Erie Sports Center complex on Oliver Road additionally includes outdoor sports fields and other facilities, including a fun park with go karts, miniature golf, batting cages, beer garden and tiki bar.

The center plans to open Erie Prep Academy, a sports academy for students in grades 9-12, this fall. The academy is expected to attract students from around the world.

Bingham also is working with Freedom Village organizers to build a veterans' community at the 60-acre sports complex.

Contact Valerie Myers at [email protected].