Council approves lease for esports and youth rec center, members seek budget details

The Bastrop City Council voted to approve a lease with Madison Plaza Realty LLC to operate a roughly 10,000-square-foot esports and recreation facility intended to host youth leagues, tournaments and ancillary programming.

Proponents said the center could become self-supporting through nominal league fees and sponsorships. "If we run leagues and we charge a nominal fee between $15 and $25 per league and serve 500–600 kids a quarter, that's gonna almost pay for the venue," said the Pro Tem (speaker 3), who led the presentation and defended the revenue model.

Council members pressed for more financial detail before committing sustained operating funds. One councilmember asked about a feasibility study and the total annual cost; staff estimated initial staff costs could be roughly $18,000 a month, a figure members said should be reflected in next year’s budget planning.

Supporters said the project will be phased and rely on public–private partnerships for build-out and security improvements, including cameras and part-time staff. "We're going to charge nominal fees and then get sponsorships and partnerships with local businesses to offset build-out," the Pro Tem said.

The council approved the resolution authorizing the lease and dedicated project funds by recorded vote; members said they will include the facility’s operational costs and any needed positions in upcoming budget discussions.

Next steps: staff will return with budget details and any feasibility study results requested by the council.