Published on February 13, 2025
Medford’s investment in recreational facilities is paying off in a big way. Two of the City’s premier sports and event venues—Rogue Credit Union Community Complex (Rogue X) and Lithia & Driveway Fields—have made a significant economic impact in 2024, collectively generating over $20 million for the local economy.
The success of Rogue X and Lithia & Driveway Fields underscores the role of recreation in driving economic growth. These facilities not only enhance quality of life for residents but also attract visitors, support local businesses, and sustain jobs.
With continued investment and strategic event partnerships, Medford is solidifying its reputation as a premier sports tourism destination in the Pacific Northwest.
Rogue X’s First Year: A Resounding Success
Since its grand opening on January 6, 2024, Rogue X has become a hub of activity for sports, events, and community gatherings. In just its first year, the facility hosted 43 major events and welcomed more than 106,000 aquatics visitors, generating an estimated $6.7 million in economic impact.
Key contributors to this impact include:
Basketball & Volleyball Tournaments: The Southern Oregon Open basketball tournament, featuring 108 teams, alone produced nearly $1 million in spending.
Cornhole Expansion: Medford was awarded the 2027 American Cornhole Organization World Championships, thanks to the facility’s success in hosting two major ACO tournaments in 2024.
Trade Shows & Special Events: The Barnstormer’s Holiday Bazaar craft fair and Rod and Custom Show brought in thousands of visitors and significant local spending.
Competitive Swimming: The Rogue Rapids swim club grew to 130 members, with plans to host 2025 district meets for the first time.
Family Fun: Rogue X hosted an impressive 920 birthday parties in its first year, making it a go-to destination for local celebrations.
With a total construction cost of $75.8 million, Rogue X’s first-year economic impact already equals 8.8% of its total investment, proving its value to the community.
Lithia & Driveway Fields Sets a New Economic Record
2024 was a record-breaking year for Lithia & Driveway Fields, which generated an all-time high $13.4 million in estimated economic impact. The facility welcomed over 1,800 teams and 240,000 visitors, setting new participation records in youth baseball and fastpitch softball.
Highlights from 2024:
Youth Baseball Boom: 378 teams competed in 10 City-organized baseball tournaments, eight of which sold out.
Softball Surge: 156 fastpitch teams played in spring tournaments, a new record for Medford.
Cascade Collegiate Conference Soccer Championships: This first-time event brought 16 college teams from across the Northwest, generating 591 hotel room nights and $424,000 in community spending.
Adult Softball Growth: Participation grew 46%, marking a third consecutive year of expansion.
Since opening in 2008, Lithia & Driveway Fields has generated an estimated $173 million in economic impact—more than five times its $32.5 million construction cost.