ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb 25, 2026--
Wisemen Multimedia LLC (Wisemen) today announced the planned development of EXE Sports ™, a visionary mixed-use amateur sports entertainment district to be constructed in Columbus, GA.
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260225369770/en/
EXE Sports™ represents a transformative new destination that blends competitive amateur athletics, experiential entertainment, retail, and hospitality in an unprecedented format. Its unique feature stack blends the energy and vibrance of Atlanta’s world-class entertainment hub, The Battery Atlanta, and the premier lifestyle dining, shopping, and retail experience of Avalon in Alpharetta, GA.
“We’re thrilled to bring EXE Sports to Columbus,” said Eric Brown, CEO, Wisemen. “We’re at the early stage, but this project is more than a destination — it represents a bold new chapter of sports tourism. EXE Sports is designed to activate communities year-round, support amateur athletes at every level, and generate sustained economic impact for host cities like Columbus which is already a sports-destination that successfully attracts tournaments annually.”
EXE Sports™ will offer a walkable, mixed-use district anchored by hospitality, waterpark attractions, and residential living — creating a true multi-day destination rather than a single-event venue. Key features include multi-sport competition fields, a 1.2-mile racetrack, waterpark, live event venues, gaming experiences, and family-friendly activations. Two Four-story multi-family buildings with 600 residences overlooking the river will be separated by a beautiful central plaza.
Retail and dining experiences will be positioned throughout the site. The hotel will have 440 premium rooms and a 30,000ft 2 convention and event center. Our Workforce Development team will do community engagement through youth development programs, local partnerships, and outreach initiatives, including skill up and transition programs for soldiers at nearby Fort Benning.
Wisemen Chief Revenue Officer, Teri Sims-Scott said she believes the Development Authority of Columbus, GA, has shown a strong commitment for Wisemen to bring this project to fruition, evidenced by a successful inducement resolution with substantial potential incentives.
The team is working to begin Construction in late 2026, with phased openings planned for 2027. EXE Sports™ is expected to create significant economic impact for the Columbus region, including job creation, increased tourism, and downstream business growth. As the first flagship site of a planned 300-site EXE Sports ™ Enterprise across North America, this development marks the inception of a scalable model for community-centric sports entertainment destinations.
For more information, visit https://exesports.com.
About Wisemen Multimedia LLC
Wisemen Multimedia LLC is an Atlanta-based leader in immersive media, sports entertainment development, and community projects. With a focus on innovation, economic impact, and scalable destination experiences, Wisemen Multimedia delivers transformative projects that enrich communities and redefine entertainment landscapes.
EXE Sports at Ranger's Speedway Conceptual Master Plan
WASHINGTON (AP) — It was only a matter of time before Washington Nationals outfielder James Wood hit a grand slam.
But an inside-the-park shot, like the one Wood smashed in Tuesday’s 9-6 victory over the New York Mets?
“I didn’t think it would be like this,” Wood said. “That was a fun way to get it.”
Down 5-0, the Nationals loaded the bases with two outs in the second inning against Mets starter Nolan McLean. Wood hit a first-pitch sweeper to the opposite field, where it glanced off the leaping Nick Morabito’s arm and bounded into center.
“When I saw that, I kind of just knew it was a full-on sprint home,” the 23-year-old Wood said of his 53rd career home run. “That’s probably why my eyes got big.”
Center fielder Tyrone Taylor braced himself before running into the wall before looking at Morabito, who pointed to the carom before giving chase himself.
“He lost track of the baseball,” Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said. “He went after and then he didn’t know where the ball was. That’s a tough break there.”
Wood scampered around the bases in 15.15 seconds and slid headfirst across the plate well ahead of the throw for his first career grand slam and 13th homer of the season.
It was the ninth inside-the-park grand slam in the majors since 1994. The previous one was hit by Toronto’s Raimel Tapia on July 22, 2022.
“When they get over the fence, obviously I think James enjoys that more so he doesn’t have to run as hard or as far,” first-year Nationals manager Blake Butera said. “But that was pretty cool. I think everyone was pretty fired up, talking some smack that he can’t hit it over the fence.”
The Nationals have two inside-the-park grand slams since the franchise moved to Washington in 2005. Michael A. Taylor hit the other Sept. 8, 2017, at home against Philadelphia.
Three of the four inside-the-park grand slams this century were hit at Nationals Park. Philadelphia’s Aaron Altherr connected for one at Washington on Sept. 25, 2015.
Now, Wood has joined that small club.
“It’s probably the biggest smile I’ve seen on his face since I’ve gotten to know him,” Butera said.
AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb
Washington Nationals' Drew Millas, right, celebrates as the Nationals' James Wood slides into home on a inside the park grand slam home run during the second inning of a baseball game against the New York Mets, Tuesday, May 19, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/John McDonnell)
New York Mets third baseman Brett Baty (7) watches Washington Nationals' James Wood head home on a inside-the-park grand slam during the second inning of a baseball game, Tuesday, May 19, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/John McDonnell)
Washington Nationals' Drew Millas, right, celebrates as the Nationals' James Wood slides into home on a inside the park grand slam home run during the second inning of a baseball game against the New York Mets, Tuesday, May 19, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/John McDonnell)
Washington Nationals' James Wood hits an inside the park grand slam home run during the second inning of a baseball game against the New York Mets, Tuesday, May 19, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/John McDonnell)
Washington Nationals' James Wood slides into home as New York Mets catcher Luis Torrens waits for the throw on an inside the park gland slam home run during the second inning of a baseball game Tuesday, May 19, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/John McDonnell)