State-of-the-Art Rogue X Officially Open for Business in Medford — Sport Oregon Voices

Photos by Michael D. Davis

New community recreation facility to serve needs of area residents while providing economic impact as top regional event destination

For residents of Medford and Southern Oregon’s Rogue Valley, Saturday, Jan. 6, was a momentous day, as they celebrated the grand opening of the sparkling new Rogue Credit Union Community Complex, also known as Rogue X.

On that day, the new 140,000 square-foot, $76 million recreational facility officially opened its doors to the public. And the occasion was much more than just a ribbon cutting, as immediately the center was bustling with activity. The new state-of-the-art aquatic and event center has many features for area residents and traveling visitors to enjoy. The main attractions are a 76,000 square-foot multipurpose event center; an indoor recreation pool featuring two water slides and a 13-lane indoor competition pool; an outdoor splash pad and a food truck pod.

Events bookings are already stacking up, and officials are encouraged by the early enthusiasm and the sheer variety of events, community gatherings and sporting activities currently lined up at Rogue X.

“The response has been pretty overwhelming,” said Brad King, director of sports development for Travel Medford. “There are 40-plus events already booked on weekends, including an array of activities like tournaments and trade shows.”

Travel Medford is contracted to promote Rogue X and help recruit events to fill the new city-owned facility, which is managed by Medford Parks & Recreation. King says they’ve already seen a wide variety of event interest, from traditional sports to crafting shows, a cornhole tournament, a pear blossom festival in April and the Meadowlark Comic Con in July. Still in its infancy, Rogue X has already proved to be a versatile space that is ideal for trade shows, car shows, high school proms and other diverse events in need of larger, flexible spaces.

On the event side of the facility, there are eight courts lined for basketball, 16 lined for volleyball and 32 lined for the increasingly popular pickleball. In addition, King says futsal will be hosted at Rogue X, which also houses locker room facilities.

On the aquatics side, the new Rogue X includes a 6,000 square-foot recreational pool with an interactive play structure. It also features the largest competitive pool in the region that will serve as a hub for high school and club swimming, and water polo practices and meets.

The facility also provides a permanent home for the Medford Sports Hall of Fame and includes a Travel Medford Visitor Information Center and operations space for Medford Parks & Recreation.

Rogue X, which is located in the heart of Howard Memorial Sports Park, is meant to serve the growing recreational needs of area residents while at the same time serving as an emerging source of economic stimulus for the area, by regularly attracting tournaments and other events that draw from outside the city. Officials anticipate that the resulting effect will be increased hotel stays and millions of dollars in economic impact for area restaurants, merchants and retailers. They also believe that, with the opening of Rogue X, Medford – now more than ever – is uniquely suited to compete for additional events and serve as one of the most desirable destinations for activities and gatherings of all sorts in the region.

In recent years, Medford increasingly has grown into a leading sports destination in the region. In 2008, Lithia & Driveway Fields opened as one of the largest facilities of its kind in the country. Lithia & Driveway Fields features seven fields for baseball and softball, three full-size baseball fields and five fields for football and soccer. The 132-acre complex features the largest installation of FieldTurf in the United States.

While Rogue X significantly adds to the appeal of Medford as a leading event destination, it’s understandable that city officials are bullish on the city’s newest recreational facility, not only to serve the recreational needs of local residents, but serve as a catalyst from the entire region.

“It fits our community, it’s like it’s home here already and it’s incredible,” Medford Mayor Randy Sparacino told local affiliate KOBI-TV at the recent grand opening. “It is going to make a huge difference in our community, and not just the city of Medford but our region as a whole.”

King concurs, and says the building, itself, is an immense source of civic pride for the community, as its design and beauty perfectly fit the region. He says the multi-generational appeal of the facility has been rewarding to witness so far, too.

Rogue X features a host of community programs, including swimming programs and lessons for kids, adults and seniors. It also offers birthday packages, play-based classroom programs, fitness classes, CPR training and martial arts classes, among many other activities. Rogue X offers rentals for party rooms, classrooms, the recreational pool, the outdoor splash pad pavilion and rentals for the event center courts and for specialty events.

For more information on all of Rogue X’s amenities, events, programs and rental details, go to www.roguexmedford.com.

Photos by Michael D. Davis