Located on I-90 and State Route 534 in Geneva, Ohio, the SPIRE Institute is one of the world’s largest indoor sports complexes and an official Olympic Training Center. With more than 750,000 square feet of indoor space and acres of outdoor competition areas, the facility attracts athletes, clubs, leagues, tournaments and championship events from around the world.
In February 2013, the SPIRE Institute became an official Olympic Training Center. The facility provides resources, services, and facilities to U.S. track and field basketball athletes.
SPIRE is also the home of USA Wrestling and USA Paralympic wheelchair basketball.
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Founded in 2008 as GaREAT (Geneva Area Recreation, Educational, Sports Trust Fund), the 175 SPIRE Institute campus has grown from 450,000 square feet of indoor athletic space to more than 750,000 square feet with more under construction. The brainchild of Ashtabula County businessman Ron Clutter of the SPIRE Institute is attracting school teams, amateur athletes, and professional athletes from around the world.
Indoor facilities
The three-building complex includes a full-size covered field that can be used for soccer, rugby, soccer, baseball, softball or field hockey; a multipurpose court surface that can be divided into 12 volleyball courts, nine tennis courts, six basketball courts, and a variety of gym and mat sports; an eight-lane, 300-meter covered track; a separate area for field events; a 10-lane, 500-meter, Olympic-size pool; a dive area with one and three meter boards and a 25 yard lap pool.
In addition to sports facilities, there are changing rooms, concessions, display boxes and medical training and medical center.
Outdoor facilities
Outdoor facilities include a lighted multi-sport field with eight lanes and seating for up to 10,000 spectators. In 2012, a second outdoor athletics stadium was opened, as well as an outdoor sports field complex.
SPIRE and the community
SPIRE is not just for professional athletes. The facility offers a walking program for local residents. Residents can walk the covered athletic path Monday through Friday from 8 am to 4 pm. SPIRE also has a cafeteria near the main entrance of the main building that serves homemade soups, pastries, sandwiches, and coffee, as well as a cafeteria-style restaurant that serves as a training table for athletes and a place where community members can get a healthy lunch.
Where to stay near the SPIRE Institute
There are several hotels near the SPIRE Institute. The Motel 6 in Geneva is located across the street, the Lodge at Geneva State Park is just four miles away, and there are several Austinburg hotels just four miles east of I-90.
