Gateway Hospitality LLC, a subsidiary of ExplorUS, a national hospitality and recreation management company, has assumed operations of Aviator Sports and Events Center, which will move forward under the name Floyd Bennett Sports Complex.
The transition marks a new chapter for the historic facility and its role as a destination for sports, recreation and community engagement serving Brooklyn, the five boroughs and the surrounding tri-state area.
Located within the historic hangars of Floyd Bennett Field, the 175,000-square-foot complex has served generations of families, athletes, schools and recreational organizations through youth sports, recreation, events and community programming. With expansive indoor and outdoor facilities and room for year-round activity, the complex has long been a gathering place for neighborhood leagues and community organizations.
“We understand how important this facility has been to the community and the role it has played for families across Brooklyn and beyond,” said Frank Pikus, CEO of ExplorUS.
Gateway Hospitality LLC’s immediate focus is supporting existing programming, assess facility needs, strengthening community partnerships and identifying opportunities to expand access and activity throughout the complex.
“We understand how important this facility has been to the community and the role it has played for families across Brooklyn and beyond,” said Frank Pikus, CEO of ExplorUS. “Our priority is to restore trust in the facility, support the programs and recreational opportunities the community values and take a thoughtful approach to bringing the complex back to life in a way that reflects what this community wants and needs.”
Gateway Hospitality LLC is actively working with sports, recreation and educational partners, including FC Copa, Aviator Hockey & Figure Skating LLC, Green Meadow Farms, Xavier High School and Xavierian High School, while continuing discussions with additional organizations interested in utilizing the facility. Existing partnerships and scheduled activities will continue to be supported wherever possible throughout the transition process.
Families with questions regarding specific leagues, schedules, or programming are encouraged to look for updates from their respective organizations and league operators, which will continue providing the most current information regarding participation and scheduling.
The initial phase will focus on facility assessment, operational readiness, cleanup efforts and identifying opportunities to safely expand community access and programming. Longer-term priorities will be guided by facility needs, community input and operational feasibility.
Given the size and complexity of the complex, improvements will be implemented over time and in coordination with the National Park Service as planning progresses.
Community input will play an important role in shaping the future of Floyd Bennett Sports Complex. A dedicated email address, community@floydbennett.com, has been established where families, athletes, coaches and neighborhood stakeholders can share ideas, concerns and suggestions. Community members can also visit floydbennett.com for facility updates, booking information and future announcements.
As planning and activation efforts continue, Floyd Bennett Sports Complex is available for a wide range of sports, recreation, educational, community and special event opportunities. Organizations interested in booking space, hosting activities, or exploring partnership opportunities are encouraged to contact: events@floydbennett.com.
Additional updates regarding programming, partnerships and future initiatives will be shared as they become available.
