A Catalyst for a Growing City
The original vision for Sparks Marina extended beyond the shoreline. City leaders believed a beautiful public destination could also encourage new residential and commercial development around it.
That vision took shape through projects including Marina Village and other lakefront housing, apartments and commercial development. The surrounding redevelopment district eventually welcomed The Legends at Sparks Marina, creating a major regional shopping and entertainment destination that includes Scheels, an IMAX theater and numerous shops, restaurants and entertainment options.
Professional baseball was once envisioned for the Marina area as well. Mayor Breslow and Councilman Phil Zive joined businessman C.J. Jones to form Sierra Nevada Baseball and successfully advocated for state legislation to establish a rental-car tax to help finance a new stadium.
That financing mechanism ultimately helped make the downtown Reno ballpark possible, which opened in 2009 and is now known as Greater Nevada Field.