Don't forget about the Arts Center!
Sorry to be so late to the discussion, but I just ran across it. I was on the board of the one of the latest attempts at bringing in performing arts center to this area (namely to Seaside). The plan fell through at the very last minute do to a breakdown in the partnership with a university that was going to supply half the funding. As it happened, the economy tanked about 5 months after it all fell through so it probably wouldn't ahve gotten the private dollars necessary anyway.
But we did an economic impact study (which is essentially what this RFP is for, not a feasibility study, which primarily is intended to determine if funding is available, and in this case, the funds are there.), and it was determined that there was a serious need for a performing arts center in northwest florida. (the OWC center was determined NOT to be a viable competitor due to its limited user groups and lack of proximity to the beaches.)
Imagine a venue that could attract national talent, and could also serve as a home for local arts organizations (Rep, Sinfonia, NW Florida Ballet, Pensacola Opera, etc.) This would be a huge draw for our target tourist and real estate market.
I think a sports complex would be very nice for locals and those on extended stays, and I'll be lining up to play, but the most logical use for tourist dollars (aka bed tax) is something that will attract more of our demographic of tourists. I worry about a sports complex's ability to function in SOWAL because of our lack of low cost hotel/motel options. Is the little league team going to stay at Watercolor Inn? They'd fly in to PCB, and on their way to our sports complex, are they going to pass up the tens of thousands of lower cost rooms in Bay County (not to mention another sports complex)?
However, if we brought in Yo Yo Ma, then Watercolor Inn would be full, as would the other vacation rental options in the area. Obviously, I have a dog in this fight (the Rep), but it seems like if given the choice between a sports complex and a performing arts center, the latter would fill a void as well as attract more of the tourists that are drawn to our county already.