BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. — A hotel concept that aims to take advantage of the growing travel sports tourism industry has been given support on a municipal level.
Bridgeport City Council recently signed off on the proposed Clutch House Travel Sports Hotel and Gymnasium at Charles Pointe after a recommendation by the Bridgeport Development Authority to support an economic incentive of up to $10,000.
The project is being led by Bridgeport businessman and Bluefield University Athletic Hall of Fame basketball player Jimmy Stemple with the purpose of hosting travel sports teams that will compete at the Bridge Sports Complex over the course of the year.
“It’s really just centered around The Bridge and what a great facility it is and the number of people that it brings in to Bridgeport and North Central West Virginia for all types of events,” Stemple said on WAJR’s “Talk of the Town.” “I just thought about what’s something we can do to supplement the experience of teams coming in.”
The plan for Clutch House is to have the around 6,600-square-foot facility located on Daniel Street, between the House of Fashion and Mountain State Brewing. On-site, there will be hotel-style rooms, a large kitchen, a laundry room, a bunk room, and a shower area that will be located next to an attached 60 by 40 foot gym that can be adjusted for select sports. Stemple said this would not only add another piece to the growing mix of recreation, retail, and hospitality around Charles Pointe, but also address an immediate need for teams competing at the Bridge complex.
“That is a selling point for teams, they can come in and all stay under one roof,” Stemple said. “Coaches or parents can easily keep an eye on their kids, and it is a multi-purpose gym that we can configure to the team’s liking.”
Stemple also noted that along with sports-focused travel, Clutch House would also have space to host recreational events when travel sports may not be as frequent. Examples of potential use of the space include hosting youth events involving Scouting America as well as large family gatherings that may take place during the off-season.
“Whether that’s overnight parties for birthdays or bachelorette parties, or if you’ve got a wedding and you’d like your whole wedding party to stay under one roof,” said Stemple. “It can house team building or people trying to come in to take advantage of what this facility has to offer.”
The goal is to have the Clutch House Travel Sports Hotel and Gymnasium at Charles Pointe open by Spring 2027. Stemple said that would allow for athletes from across four separate athletic seasons to use the facility as well as possibly host West Virginia University athletics fans who may travel to watch the Mountaineers play during the baseball season.
“We’re hoping for a March or April opening, and I’ve already got two bookings, one for next April and one for Memorial Day,” said Stemple. “So things are starting to take off, and we haven’t even broken ground yet, so that’s good news.”