Sports Complex proposal moves to Las Cruces

Many feared heavy traffic and bright lights when a proposal for a privately funded 50 acre sports complex emerged in the quiet town of Mesilla. But now, the man behind that project has a new location in mind, Las Cruces.

Scott Bannister tells ABC-7 the Mesilla project is on the back burner for now, but he’s optimistic Las Crucens will be happy about his new plan.

Bannister was a volunteer coach while his kids were growing up. He even bought land 18 years ago and built his own baseball field.

“We do small six team tournaments here various age groups,” Bannister said.

But for almost 7 years, Bannister says he’s dreamt of building a sports complex to accomodate more kids playing sports in the community.

Bannister says 10 baseball fields, six soccer fields and eight sand volleyball courts is only half of what could take up 50 acres of the land off Lohman Ave. and Sonoma Ranch Blvd.

“We will be meeting with the mayor and Mr. Garza probably within the next two weeks,” Bannister said.

Bannister tells ABC-7 he wants a safe place for kids to play.

I”t’s something thats needed so much and I think if we can just build it and show the people what a demand there is and how many kids are going to get to use it, I think everyone will fall in love with it and feel about it the way I do,” Bannister said.

Bannister is asking to lease the land from the city, but won’t be asking for any tax incentives. He says he is asking for them to fund some dirt work and utilities.