New Cool Springs Sports Complex Aims To Become "The Kennywood Of Sports"

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at a sprawling new sports complex in the South Hills Monday.

The Allegheny Health Network Sports Complex at Cool Springs has everything from fields to a sports medicine facility. The high-tech complex could change the way local athletes practice, play and recover from injuries.

The complex is the largest indoor, multi-sport complex in Western Pennsylvania. It covers 169,000 square feet.

"One of the things that we tried to do here at Cool Springs, and I think we've succeeded, is to become the Kennywood of sports," says Brian Shanahan, the Managing Partner of the facility. "We wanted to basically create a 58-acre sports campus that has all sports in a multi-sport environment."

The new facility features a field that meets NFL and FIFA regulations. There are also basketball courts, a driving range, and a fitness center filled with high-tech equipment.

"Our anti-gravity treadmill is used with rehabilitation, and also for performance enhancement over speed training, plyometric training," says Frank Velasquez, Jr., the Director of Sports Performance for Allegheny Health Network. "We have our cryotherapy chamber, which we use for recovery, rejuvenation and wellness."

Young athletes can learn how to properly use strength-training equipment to help them perform more effectively. There are also nutritional coaches on hand to teach athletes to eat properly.

"We have a wide range of services here to service the active adult, your weekend warrior, your ex-athlete, recreational athlete, runners and triathletes," say Velasquez.

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There's also a new, state-of-the-art sports medicine center. Allegheny Health Network's Orthopedic Institute is now located at the facility. Both athletes and non-athletes can receive treatment.

The center also includes a bar, restaurant and creamery – just in case you've worked up an appetite.

The facility is open to the public. People who want to use the center can sign up for a fitness membership, called "Cool Fitness." Or, you can rent out some of the fields if you plan to host an event.