New Partnership Opportunity!

The Rockford Park District has a great opportunity for a local, regional, or national business or organization to be the premier naming rights sponsor at the Sports Factory. This is a unique chance to connect your brand with one of the region’s most recognizable community destinations. Since opening, UW Health Sports Factory has built an excellent reputation. In 2024, the UW Health Sports Factory hosted over 57 events, which had an economic impact of $5,191,029, attracting more than 600,000 patrons and participants through the facility. Already in 2025, the UW Health Sports Factory has generated $3,390,000 in economic impact for Rockford and its surrounding communities from January through June.

Some top events hosted are as follows:

  • Women’s National Invitation Tournament (WNIT), which was broadcast nationally

  • Three-time host of the United States Wheelchair Rugby Association (USWRA)

  • Seventh time hosting Rockin’ Rockford Volleyball with over 340 teams competing

  • Sixth time hosting the Opening Weekend Tournament (OWT), which has grown to be the largest collegiate women’s volleyball tournament in the country

In addition to what happens on the court, the Sports Factory is at the center of many high-traffic family-focused events such as Stroll on State, City Market, and most recently Ironman 70.3 Rockford. Partnering with the Rockford Park District showcases a commitment to community pride, economic vitality, health, wellness, youth development, and quality of life.

 

Background of Sports Factory

UW Health Sports Factory, 305 S. Madison Street, Rockford, is one of the largest sports facilities in the Midwest.  The name “sports factory” symbolizes the history of the site, as it was once the former Ingersoll factory located in the heart of a major manufacturing hub in Rockford. The shell of the original factory serves as the framework for the building today.

On June 1, 2016, the City of Rockford, Rockford Park District (RPD), GoRockford, and the Winnebago County Regional Tourism Facility Board (WCTFB) celebrated the completion of UW Health Sports Factory.  UW Health Sports Factory, along with Mercyhealth Sportscore One and Mercyhealth Sportscore Two, represent the “Reclaiming First” initiative which was launched with GoRockford more than a decade ago through unprecedented financial collaboration among the City of Rockford, City of Loves Park, Winnebago County, Machesney Park, Cherry Valley, local hotels, and the Rockford Park District to build and expand our amateur sports facilities. Being part of the hard court business presented a new opportunity for the Rockford Park District and was a significant step in retaining, regaining, and growing the sports tourism market in the Rockford region.

“As a result of this collaboration over nearly 10 years, our community benefits directly from these world-class sports facilities, which draw millions of visitors and athletes to our region each year, fueling local businesses, generating significant economic impact along with economic development, and fostering a sense of community pride.”
— Jay Sandine, Rockford Park District Executive Director

Success Stories

Facility Overview

Request for Proposal

A Request for Proposal (RFPs) is now being accepted through Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at 2 p.m. The bid package is ONLY available from DemandStar and any business interested MUST submit an application through DemandStar. If you do not have an account, it’s free and easy. The proposal in its entirety is only available on this site.