"It's really putting Erie on the map not just for the country but for the world."

It has been in the works for two years. Local officials and community members witnessed on Wednesday the groundbreaking of the state-of-the-art Allegheny Health Network (AHN) Pavilion that will give local athletes world-class treatment.

"We'll have our imaging equipment, including a mobile MRI unit rehabilitative services, our therapy services as well as our sports performance service," said Dr. Chris Clark, president of AHN Saint Vincent. 

Athletes will be getting the best of the best with equipment and top specialists in the region, all under one roof.

"That model doesn't really exist in many places," said Patrick DeMeo, MD, professor and chair of the Orthopaedic Institute of AHN. "As the medical director of the Pittsburgh Pirates for the past three decades, I can tell you that's what happens in a professional locker room."

The facilities will be open to both athletes and active adults.

"When we get hurt, that will help way more, get back on our feet and back on the field or court," said local soccer player Haily Gray.

But out of everyone involved in the projects, the person most excited is Erie Sports Center owner Troy Bingham, who said the two years of obstacles and setbacks were all worth it in the end.

"We're the first in this entire region to invest in cognitive development, which is the next evolution of development for young athletes, how to get their minds working," Bingham said.

The AHN Pavilion is only the first step out of several to come with brand new baseball, football, soccer facilities, and much more, all in the works.

"We're pushing as hard as we can," Bingham said. "We're trying to be as aggressive as we possibly can on getting turf in."