HOOVER – As construction of a new events center continues, details about the management of the Hoover Metropolitan Complex are being ironed out.

The Hoover City Council held a work session on Tuesday, Jan. 24 at Hoover Metropolitan Stadium with officials from Sports Facilities Management.

John McDonald, southeast regional director of SFM and account executive at HMC, introduced those in attendance, including SFM CEO Jason Clement.

“This complex is a real jewel—not just for Hoover but for the Southeast region,” Clement said. “This is going to be a tremendous place. It’s already gaining national attention.”

During the work session, SFM officials gave recommendations for management of the facility, including accountability, financial operation, policies and procedures, and business and marketing.

City officials discussed the recommendations. The council would vote on items related to the management of the facility at future regular meetings.

Clement recommended a client structure that would have an advisory board and city representatives providing direct oversight of SFM and HMC General Manager Monty Jones Jr.

“This is your asset,” Clement said. “We are stewards of the city’s asset.”

City Council President Gene Smith said the city’s intent is to “re-purpose” the Stadium Advisory Committee to provide oversight for the Hoover Met Complex.

McDonald discussed financial operation, including the use of multiple bank accounts, regular reporting to the council and safeguards for working with large amounts of cash.

McDonald said accounting is important “because we’re working with taxpayers’ money.”

The 155,000 square foot Finley Center is scheduled to be completed in May and will include a walking track, performance center, food court, meeting rooms, convenience store, locker rooms, clip and climb attraction, 11 regulation basketball courts, 17 regulation volleyball courts, trade show booth space for 300, banquet seating for 2,400 and theater seating for 5,000.

Outdoor facilities are scheduled to be completed in February 2018 and will include five regulation soccer/football/lacrosse fields, five regulation baseball/softball fields, 16 tennis courts and pro shop, 2-mile walking track, playground, splash pad and event lawn.