Aquidneck Island has many attractions, but recreational facilities for youth sports aren’t among them.
Sean Stalls, president of Portsmouth Little League, understands this struggle firsthand, having experienced long drives in search of gym space for local baseball and softball players.
Like a modern-day Ray Kinsella – the main character in “Field of Dreams” – Stalls had long envisioned an indoor sports facility, and even sketched plans for one.
“We would drive all over the place just to find gym time. So, it was always an idea to bring an indoor sports facility to Aquidneck Island,” Stalls said. “But I could never pull the trigger.”
His breakthrough came in September 2025 when he noticed the shuttered Tom’s Lawn and Garden on East Main Road. After a chance encounter with the owner, they struck a handshake agreement for Stalls to lease the back half of the building.
With the help of some investors, Stalls and his team transformed the 5,120-square-foot space into a vibrant indoor sports complex featuring LED lighting, new turf and four batting tunnels.
Aquidneck Island Sports opened in mid-February in Portsmouth, offering flexible monthly memberships, hourly rates and team packages.