It's not particularly spooky, but it certainly is big. Spooky Nook Sports claims to be nearly twice the size of the next biggest sports complex facility in the country. (In fact, Spooky Nook says it isn’t aware of any indoor sports complex quite as big anywhere else in the world.)
Owner Sam Beiler acquired the vacant Armstrong Flooring Warehouse on Spooky Nook Road in Manheim in 2011. Surrounded by 65 acres, the vast structure has 14 acres under its roof.
“Even though the building was empty and in need of renovation, everyone agreed it just screamed whistles, cheering crowds, and the hustle and bustle of an exciting sports venue,” says the company on its website.
Spooky Nook opened last year and today offers 20-plus sports programs for everyone from the serious athlete to the weekend warrior. Facilities include 10 hardwood courts, acres of sport court and turf fields, an outdoor field hockey pitch, a domed turf field, six tennis courts, an indoor baseball diamond and 14 batting cages. The Nook also features a fitness center, group exercise classes, daycare, a sports performance area, a game arcade, a food court, a smoothie bar, a pro shop, a rock climbing gym, meeting space and birthday party rooms. Orthopedics Associates of Lancaster is on-site and the Women’s USA Field Hockey Team calls Spooky Nook home.
Now Beiler is adding a 130-room hotel and 260-seat restaurant, which he will own and operate. The hotel and restaurant are under construction with a scheduled completion date of spring 2015, says spokesperson Stephanie Jordan.
“Spooky Nook is growing at a rapid rate,” explains Jordan. “Each season we've been adding new programs and aspects to our business. New pieces to the business include field trips, senior activities, home schooler events and additional sports programming.”
Spooky Nook employs 86 full-time and more than 215 part-time employees, and management anticipates more hires for the hotel and restaurant.
Source: Stephanie Jordan, Spooky Nook Sports
Writer: Elise Vider