Shrader Named General Manager of The Ridge Athletics Center

Seasoned Arkansas public service and parks leader to helm Jonesboro’s new 203,000-square-foot destination for sports, events, and aquatics

[JONESBORO, Ark.] March. 17, 2026– The Jonesboro Advertising and Promotion Commission, in partnership with The Sports Facilities Companies (SFC), today announced the appointment of Brandon Shrader as the General Manager of The Ridge Athletics Center, a new state-of-the-art destination for sports, aquatics, and community events in Jonesboro, Arkansas. Scheduled to open in early 2027, the venue will serve as a regional hub for tournaments, local programming, and community gatherings across Northeast Arkansas.

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In his new role, Shrader will oversee all aspects of venue operations at The Ridge Athletics Center, including staff recruitment and development, event scheduling, programming, community partnerships, and guest experience. He will work closely with the Jonesboro Advertising and Promotion Commission, local schools, clubs, and regional event organizers to position The Ridge as a premier home for tournaments, leagues, and community recreation.

“I have spent my career working to strengthen Arkansas communities through parks, recreation, and public service, and it is an honor to bring that experience home to lead The Ridge Athletics Center,” said Shrader. “From the Olympic pool and multi-sport courts to the convention and community spaces, this facility will give Jonesboro and Northeast Arkansas a place to gather, compete, and grow together. I am excited to build a team that delivers a welcoming, high-quality experience for every guest who walks through our doors.”

Shrader brings more than 15 years of public service experience in municipal and county government, with a background spanning administration, parks and recreation operations, facility management, budgeting, and community outreach across Arkansas communities, including Trumann, Fayetteville, Batesville, and Jonesboro. Most recently, Shrader served as Craighead County Administrator, supporting day-to-day operations across all county departments and staff and working closely with citizens, businesses, community groups, and other stakeholders to secure and manage multiple grants since 2024.

Previously, Shrader spent five years with the City of Jonesboro Parks and Recreation Department, first as Supervisor of Urban Parks and Cemeteries—overseeing 18 neighborhood parks and green spaces as well as four city cemeteries—and later as Assistant Parks Director, supporting system-wide operations, staffing, budgeting, and planning. Earlier in his career, he helped plan, staff, program, and open the 100,000-square-foot Batesville Community Center and Aquatics Park, which combines gymnasiums, fitness and meeting spaces, and indoor and outdoor aquatics to serve all ages year-round.

“Brandon is a consummate pro. He has all the tools needed to run The Ridge Athletics Center with professionalism and precision,” said Craig Rickert, Executive Director of the Jonesboro A&P Commission. “His background in programming, aquatics, parks and recreation, and managing a large staff made his hiring a clear decision. We are so fortunate to have someone of Brandon’s talent and reputation right here in Jonesboro. He will bring a standard of quality to The Ridge Athletics Center that will be truly noticeable from the moment you enter the building.”

When it opens, The Ridge Athletics Center will offer approximately 203,000 square feet of space with flexibility for up to 12 basketball courts, 24 volleyball courts, or 36 pickleball courts under one roof. The venue will feature a 50-meter Olympic pool with one-meter and three-meter diving, 1,245 spectator seats, a second, indoor warm-up/cool-down pool, and an outdoor aquatics area with a lazy river, large slides, and spray-ground. A 32,000-square-foot convention space, full-service kitchen and cafeteria, locker rooms, and multiple meeting rooms will make the facility a year-round destination for both sporting events and community gatherings.

“As we prepare to open The Ridge Athletics Center, we knew we needed a leader who understands both world-class facilities and the communities they serve,” said John Sparks, SVP of Venue Management for SFC. “Brandon’s depth of experience in parks and recreation, local government, and aquatics—combined with his track record of managing complex operations and budgets—makes him an ideal fit to launch this venue and ensure it delivers meaningful impact for Jonesboro and the broader region.”

The Ridge Athletics Center will be operated by The Sports Facilities Companies (SFC) and will be a member of the SF Network, the nation’s largest and fastest-growing network of sports facilities. For more information, please visit SportsFacilities.com and SFNetwork.com.

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About The Ridge Athletic Center

The Ridge Athletic Center, located in Jonesboro, Arkansas, is a state-of-the-art, 203,000-square-foot facility designed to serve athletes, families, and the community. With space for 12 basketball courts, 24 volleyball courts, or 36 pickleball courts, along with a 50-meter Olympic pool with one-meter and three-meter diving boards, featuring 1,245 spectator seats and a second, indoor, recreational/warm-up/cool-down pool. It is the ideal venue for large tournaments and community events. The center also includes a 32,000-square-foot convention space, an outdoor aquatics area with a lazy river, large slide, and spray-ground, as well as a full-service kitchen, cafeteria, locker rooms, and two meeting rooms. is a member of the SF Network, the nation’s largest and fastest-growing network of sports facilities, and is operated by the industry leader in outsourced operations, The Sports Facilities Companies. For more information, please visit SportsFacilities.com and SFNetwork.com.

About The Sports Facilities Companies (SFC) 

The Sports Facilities Companies (SFC) is the nation’s leading resource for the management and development of sports, recreation, wellness, and events facilities. As a turn-key solution for community leaders and developers alike, SFC services span the gamut of sports and recreation needs from sports tourism & recreation master planning, program planning, and feasibility through professional facility management services. With over 90 managed venues and approximately 5,000 team members, represented by the SF Network, SFC welcomes nearly 30 million guest visits and produces almost $1 billion in economic impact each year. To learn more, please visit SportsFacilities.com and theSFnetwork.com.