The Hoover Met Complex is a thriving, state-of-the-art multiuse community sports complex right here in the city of Hoover.
It is managed by the Sports Facilities Companies, but there is a strong team of women behind the operations at the Hoover Met Complex, and many will attest that they are a large driving force behind the successful nature of the facility.
Office Manager Erin Finney, RV/Administrative Coordinator Windy Allen, Finance/HR Manager Amanda Helton, Sales Coordinator Lisa Fehr, Administrative Coordinator Brittany Costello and Marketing Manager Taryn Fink keep things on the right track at the Met Complex.
“We all come from varied backgrounds and work experiences, but loving sports and enjoying making things run smoothly is something we all share on some level,” Fink said.
The large complex boasts a state-of-the-art, 155,000-square-foot indoor facility, which includes an indoor climbing center, suspended walking track, basketball, volleyball and pickleball courts and multiple meeting rooms. The complex also includes the Hoover Met Stadium, a 170-space RV park, a 16 hard court tennis center, disability-inclusive playground and splash pad, and baseball/softball and multipurpose outdoor fields.
“The Hoover Met Complex is a wonderful place to work. You see kids as young as 5 years old, seniors on the walking track and some of the finest college athletes in the country. It is truly a world-class venue for sports tourism and grassroots community sports,” Fehr said.
The Hoover Met Complex can transform to accommodate various types of events, ranging from small company meetings to large-scale tournaments, as well as trade shows, birthday and holiday parties and all sorts of sporting events.
Each of the women have learned a great deal working in the industry throughout the years, and they enjoy the daily opportunities to positively impact the lives of others. The women of the Hoover Met Complex strive to provide a safe, comfortable, encouraging and fun environment for all guests.
“The most valuable trick of the trade is to offer everyone a chance to explain their situation, as people simply like to be heard,” Finney said.
Backing up Finney, Costello said: “Since this job primarily involves the public, a trick of the trade would be mastering the art of dealing with people of all ages and personalities.”
“Flexibility is most valuable, because it allows you to adapt to any situation,” Allen added.
The complex has adapted during the COVID-19 pandemic, adopting a number of policies and procedures to ensure the safety of everyone at the site’s various events. This includes reducing venue capacity, increasing the frequency of cleaning and placing sanitation stations throughout the complex.
The facility is nearly fully booked for 2021, with plenty of marquee events to complement the traditional local programs. Hoover residents from all walks of life can find something to enjoy at the Hoover Met Complex.
The mission of Sports Facilities Companies is to improve communities through sports.
“What you focus on expands,” Helton explained. “By realizing and prioritizing the needs of our facility as well as our community, we hope to provide an enjoyable and memorable experience for everyone. The key is to find a positive point of focus and go from there.”