KANAWHA COUNTY, W.Va. (WSAZ) – The newest upgrade at the Shawnee Sports Complex in Dunbar is nearing completion.

Since opening the facility in 2018, Kanawha County Commission President Ben Salango said it has drawn in more than $150 million in economic revenue for Kanawha County.

Therefore, Commissioners wanted to give visitors an enhanced experience with the new welcome center.

“When we had big tournaments, we had long lines, long lines at the restrooms, the lady restrooms, and so we had to add on,” Salango said.

Salango said as more people use the complex, the two-story welcome center will give visitors more space, more restrooms, an observation deck, indoor dining experience with a commercial kitchen and place to buy concessions and merchandise.

“It’s just a better experience,” Salango said. “It’s a lot safer. It’s better for the student athletes and it’s also better for all the parents and the spectators.”

Salango said this new center will be the main entrance to help protect everyone.

“We will be better monitoring the crowds coming and leaving and count the people if we need to in the facility,” Salango said.

Salango said they hope to have the center open by early August.

This project was funded by multiple federal and state grants totaling 5 million dollars.

Salango said parking will be expanded and they will also be adding shade shelters in the next year.

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