Washington County hopes to add 3,000-seat event center

“With much of the initial groundwork complete, we are now eager to identify and connect with development partners who can assist in making this vision a reality and begin moving the project forward.”

It would be located at the Racetrack Road corridor near the Meadows.

Washington County is setting its sights on a major new development poised to transform the region’s entertainment and tourism landscape.

On Thursday, the Washington County Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Promotion Agency announced the results of two comprehensive studies that confirm the viability and significant economic promise of a proposed 30,000-square-foot event center.

The findings, released in the Washington County Event Center Market Assessment and Economic Impact Study, mark a pivotal step toward making the long-discussed project a reality.

“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity,” said Jeff Kotula, president of the Washington County Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Promotion Agency. “We have the market, we have the studies, now we need to find the right strategic partners to help carry forward the momentum to build a signature facility that will serve Washington County for decades to come.”

The proposed event center would hold up to 3,000 guests in a concert setting and offer the flexibility to host conferences, entertainment acts and community gatherings.

Designed with adaptability in mind, the venue could transition seamlessly between large-scale concerts and major meetings, making it a dynamic space with multiple revenue streams.

Key findings from the market assessment underscore strong regional demand for a mid-sized venue.

Analysts concluded that Washington County is currently missing out on concerts, conferences and events that are too large for existing spaces, but too small for urban arenas.

The study also identified the Racetrack Road corridor as the ideal location for the center.

With direct access to both I-79 and I-70, and proximity to popular destinations such as the Hollywood Casino at the Meadows, Tanger Outlets and the Washington County Fairgrounds, the site would be a strategic anchor for expanding the county’s tourism footprint.

“These studies confirm what many in our community have long believed — Washington County is a prime location for a modern, multi-functional event space that will drive tourism, economic development, create jobs and enhance our quality of life,” Kotula said. “With much of the initial groundwork complete, we are now eager to identify and connect with development partners who can assist in making this vision a reality and begin moving the project forward.”

The economic impact analysis presents a compelling case.

Construction alone is expected to generate more than $24 million in economic benefits and support around 200 full-time equivalent jobs.

Once operational, the facility could produce up to $22 million annually in economic impact, with nearly 70 direct jobs and another 64 supported indirectly.

Visitor spending tied to events is projected to inject up to $11 million into local businesses, particularly in hospitality and retail.

Over time, the project would contribute significantly to local and regional tax revenues, including school, county, employment and hotel occupancy taxes.

Washington County already boasts a strong track record in tourism.

According to the latest figures from Visit PA, the county draws nearly $720 million in annual tourism- related direct spending, sustaining more than 5,500 jobs.

Altogether, tourism in the county generates more than $1.2 billion in direct and indirect economic activity each year. A new event center would expand on that momentum, giving the area a competitive edge in attracting top-tier acts and large-scale gatherings.

The total estimated development budget for the event center is $24.1 million, covering design, construction, equipment and startup costs. Conceptual renderings by architectural partner The Mills Group envision a modern venue that reflects Washington County’s heritage while delivering best-in-class sound, lighting and hospitality amenities.

The next phase of the project aims to build a coalition of public and private sector partners to fund and develop the center.

Chase McClain, director of marketing at the WCCOC/ TPA, emphasized the importance of collaboration to move forward.

“This announcement sets the stage for the next step: identifying strategic partners to assist in bringing this vision to life,” he said.