A massive new development project could soon transform Romulus into one of the Midwest’s largest destinations for sports tourism, entertainment and economic growth.

In an exclusive interview, former Romulus Mayor Pro Tem and City Council President John Barden, who now serves on the board of directors for the project, described the development as a “game changer” for Romulus and surrounding communities.

The proposed Motown Sports Village, a $3 billion sports and entertainment complex planned near Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, is expected to bring hotels, housing, entertainment venues and thousands of jobs to the region.

“This project could create over 5,000 good-paying jobs for the city of Detroit and the state of Michigan,” Barden said.

The project recently gained major momentum after JLL Capital Markets was selected to arrange financing for the development.

According to the press release, the proposed 452-acre project would include a youth sports complex, an indoor water park, retail spaces, golf attractions, multiple hotels and entertainment venues.

“This is a sports city,” Barden said. “A lot of people don’t realize sports travel is becoming one of the fastest-growing industries in the country.”

Barden said the rise of youth sports tourism could create long-term economic opportunities throughout Southeast Michigan as families travel for tournaments, competitions and large sporting events.

“It’s a $40 billion industry now, and it’s expected to keep growing,” Barden said.

The project is expected to create more than 5,000 jobs, according to Barden, while also generating new opportunities in technology, hospitality and entertainment.

Barden said the development is designed to be more than just a sports complex. 

“We want young people to have opportunities here,” Barden said. “Not just jobs, but skills for the future.”

The proposed complex would feature basketball courts, entertainment attractions, green spaces, retail dining areas and a large indoor water park with beaches and resort-style features.

“It could be zero degrees outside, and people could still be inside enjoying the water park and beaches,” Barden said.

The development’s location near Detroit Metro Airport and I-94 is expected to drive further traffic.

Barden said one of the biggest early challenges was convincing residents and local stakeholders that the project was legitimate and financially viable.

“A lot of projects were promised in Romulus before and never happened,” Barden said. “People wanted to know if the financing was real, if the leadership was real and if the right companies were involved.”

Confidence in the project grew as nationally recognized companies stepped forward.

According to the press release, ASM Global and JLL are among the organizations involved in the project’s operations and financing process.

“These are first-class companies,” Barden said. “People are starting to realize this project is for real.”

Barden also emphasized the potential impact on smaller local businesses.

“When you bring more people into the city, small businesses benefit,” Barden said. “That’s what helps communities grow.”

The article states that youth sports tourism generated approximately $47.1 billion in direct spending nationwide in 2024, highlighting the growing economic influence of sports-related travel and entertainment developments.

For Barden, the project represents more than construction or business expansion.

“This would be the biggest thing to ever happen to Romulus,” Barden said.

As financing and development efforts continue moving forward, local leaders hope the project will place Romulus at the center of one of the fastest-growing industries in the country, while creating new opportunities for residents across Southeast Michigan.