JANESVILLE, Wis. (WMTV) – The Woodman’s Sports and Convention Center, a 140,000-square-foot facility, is opening in Janesville this weekend, with city officials anticipating significant economic benefits for the community. Designed as a multipurpose venue, it will host sports competitions, conferences, and entertainment events, featuring two ice rinks, indoor courts, and a spacious meeting hall.\n\nCity Manager Kevin Lahner described the nearly $50 million project as part of a broader strategy to increase visitation and strengthen the local economy. Funding was largely secured through collaborative community efforts, underscoring local investment in long-term growth.\n\nChristine Rebout, head of Janesville’s Convention and Visitors Bureau, emphasized the ripple effect of visitor spending. She noted that guests attending events will likely stay overnight, dine locally, and shop, contributing directly to small businesses. This influx is projected to generate over $20 million in economic activity.\n\n”It’s not just about the event itself,” Rebout explained. “When someone visits for a tournament or conference, their presence supports jobs and inspires secondary spending—like a server using extra income to hire a contractor for home improvements.”\n\nTony Thiry, the center’s general manager, highlighted its strategic location near major Midwest hubs such as Milwaukee, Madison, and Chicago, positioning Janesville as a regional destination. Officials hope the venue will foster community engagement and elevate the city’s profile.\n\nTo celebrate the opening, the center will offer free admission starting at noon on Saturday, with activities including public skating, facility tours, and open play on the courts. Event details are available online.\n— news from WMTV 15 NEWS\n\n— News Original —\nJanesville’s Woodman’s Sports & Convention Center expected to bring economic boost\n\nJANESVILLE, Wis. (WMTV) – A brand-new sports and convention center is set to open its doors in Janesville this weekend – and city leaders say it could make a big impact on Janesville’s economy. \n\nThe 140,000 square foot Woodman’s Sports and Convention Center is designed to be the city’s new hub for sports, entertainment and events. The center is complete with two ice rinks, indoor sports courts, a large conference room and more. \n\nCity leaders said the project cost just under $50 million, but the money is an investment into the community. Much of the funds were raised through community partnerships. \n\n“We know that every person who comes here, whether they’re coming for a basketball game, or a meeting, or convention, they’re going to sleep here, they’re going to eat here, they’re going to forget that item and run to a local store,” Christine Rebout, Executive Director of Janesville’s Convention and Visitors Bureau said. “They’re going to have an opportunity to experience Janesville while they’re here for those other reasons.” \n\nKevin Lahner, Janesville’s City Manager, said this is just one of the city’s efforts to attract more people to Janesville. \n\n“This is the first of many different projects,” Lahner said. “Another one that is currently being constructed is the Children’s Museum of Rock County, that’s right downtown. So again, just bringing more folks to support our local economy.” \n\nRebout said the project is expected to bring in more than $20 million in economic impact to Janesville. \n\n“It is an investment, because everyone benefits,” she said. “Whether you’re a waitress who gets that extra tip and now she’s going to do an addition on her house and hire a carpenter, that economic impact will truly flow throughout the community.” \n\nCity leaders say the center will also bring people together across city lines and put Janesville on the map. \n\n“It’s right in the middle of everything,” said Tony Thiry, the center’s general manager. “You’ve got Milwaukee, Madison, Chicago. It should be a central hub for all of these larger cities to come together.” \n\nThe center is free to enter this weekend and opens at noon on Saturday. People can enjoy ice skating, interactive tours of the facility, open courts and more. A link to the schedule can be found here. \n\nClick here to download the WMTV15 News app or our WMTV15 First Alert weather app.
