Ribbon cutting held to celebrate opening of 434 Sportsplex

A ribbon cutting celebrating the opening of the 434 Sportsplex, a large multisport sports complex in Vestal, N.Y., was held on Jan. 25. The facility, located at 1900 Vestal Parkway West and neighbor to Chuckster’s Family Fun Park, opened in the fall of 2018.

The Sportsplex is expected to draw people to the southern tier from all over New York State and northeast Pennsylvania, and potentially beyond.

434 Sportsplex has hosted numerous sports leagues and tournaments since it opened, and is ready to welcome community and corporate events as well.

Attending the ribbon cutting was 434 Sportsplex President Chris Riley and his family, along with Senator Fred Akshar, Broome County Executive Jason Garner, Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo, Vestal Town Supervisor John Schaffer, and President and CEO of the Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce, Jennifer Conway, along with other local dignitaries and community members.

Akshar commented, “We congratulate you and your family and celebrate the opening of a new business in the southern tier.”

Akshar presented Riley with the New York State Senate 2019 Empire Award, which recognizes outstanding contributions and dedication to the growth, prosperity and betterment of the community.

Lupardo remarked, “We are delighted that your business is here, and obviously there was a need for a facility like this.”

Garner shared, “It’s an amazing facility, and we are glad you chose to invest in Broome County.”

Schaffer added, “We’re happy to welcome you,” and also mentioned that he was a classmate of Riley’s father.

Riley commented, “Two years ago I had a vision, so I started looking for land.” Riley further explained that he wanted to invest in the hometown area he grew up in, and just as his father did. Riley then thanked everyone who helped make his dream a reality.

Conway shared, “This is not only a great facility, but Chris has invested in the quality of life in our area,” adding, “This is what families want and need, and Chris, you have helped create a destination,” and then referred to Chuckster’s as being part of that destination equation as well. 

Riley, a graduate of U.E. High School, Herkimer College and Wright State University, is a southern tier native who founded the Riley Development Academy in 2010, a youth soccer academy that now holds classes at the Sportsplex.  

Riley has served as Head Coach for the SUNY-Broome Community College Men’s soccer team since 2015, and previously traveled across the country playing professional soccer for several years.

Both adults and youth players are welcomed at the new 434 Sportsplex, and along with multi-use athletic fields, the facility houses a fitness center, batting cages, a weight room, and also a café with seating.

The 434 Sportsplex hosted its inaugural Winterfest event for families on Jan. 25, and Riley said that more events would be announced in the future.

To learn more about the 434 Sportsplex, call (607) 444-3691, find them on Facebook and Instagram, or visit 434sportsplex.com.