Upper Merion Township has been pursuing an ambitious long-term vision that could transform part of Moore Park into a mixed-use sports and entertainment district centered around a 7,500-seat venue for professional sports, concerts, festivals and community events.

The Philadelphia Business Journal first reported that the township had applied for a $20 million Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to help launch the project. The township was not selected for funding in the latest round.

The Upper Merion Area Spotlight reviewed the township's grant application, which provides additional details about the proposal.

According to the application, the centerpiece of the proposed development would be a 7,500-plus-seat venue designed to host professional baseball and professional soccer while also serving as a year-round destination for concerts, festivals, graduations, youth tournaments and other community events. The facility would include general admission seating, premium suites and hospitality spaces.

The venue would anchor a 16.8-acre mixed-use development featuring walkable connections, shared parking and a housing component as part of a broader effort to redevelop Moore Park.

The application describes the project as a response to changing demand for traditional office space following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rather than relying solely on office development, the proposal envisions Moore Park evolving into a destination where residents and visitors could gather for sports, entertainment and community events. Township officials also describe the project as an opportunity to generate long-term economic activity and tax revenue for the township, county, school district and Commonwealth.

The grant application estimates the total cost of the project at $197 million.

The proposed funding plan includes a combination of state funding, Montgomery County support, township tax increment financing, private investment, sponsorships and projected lease revenue from two professional sports teams.

Although the application lists 650 Park Avenue as the project site, the township has not publicly identified a final location for the development.

The township was not awarded the requested $20 million RACP grant, leaving the future of the proposal uncertain.

Whether officials pursue alternative funding sources, revise the proposal or submit another application in a future funding round remains to be seen.

Read the application: The full grant application is available through Pennsylvania's e-RACP Application Search. After opening the page, scroll to the bottom, select Montgomery County from the county dropdown, and locate Upper Merion Township's 2025 application. Click Print to view the full application.

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