COVID-19 testing site at CenturyLink Sports Complex to relocate

Reporter: Zach Oliveri Writer: Drew Hill
Published: Updated:
new centurylink entrance

For now, COVID-19 testing will continue at CenturyLink Sports Complex, it just won’t be in the parking lot any longer. Instead, it will be moving as a way to accommodate the Twins’ spring training schedule.

For months, CenturyLink has been the place to go for a COVID-19 test in Lee County. But, that’s about to change. Spring training is about to begin and the Minnesota Twins need their stadium back.

So, the testing site is moving a block down the road.

Rebecca Tellup from Cape Coral is glad that it’s not moving far. “It’s good that it’s not too too far, in case people like myself didn’t know, and you can just go up the street and find it again,” said Tellup.

Starting on Friday, January 22, you can get a COVID-19 test at the open field off of Crown Pointe Parkway. The main entrance to the new site will be off of Six Mile Cypress.

Jose Torres hopes this will be an easier entrance to the testing site. “I really didn’t know where to turn in here because I’m not really from around here but I feel like wherever they are going to move it to might be an easier way to get into,” said Torres.

Cones and caution tape are already in place to help guide people to parking beside the new location. The Division of Emergency Management, who oversees the site, says everything else aside from the exact location will remain the same.

Moving to this other lot will allow testing to continue in the midst of Spring Training. It is set to start at CenturyLink in less than a month.

County leaders are saying they hope that Spring Training continues somewhat normally, with a limited amount of fans in the stands.

“It brings people back to work in the stadium. Everything from concessions to hotels bring tax dollars to area increase jobs so we’re hoping that does happen,” said Lee County Commissioner Cecil Pendergrass.

For Spring Training to bring back jobs and revenue, Major League Baseball has to say they will allow fans into stadiums. Until that happens, the Minnesota Twins organization says they will not yet begin selling tickets.

CenturyLink Sports Complex has to be ready in about three weeks. Catchers and Pitchers are set to report on February 18.

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