KEARNEY — One of the largest sporting facilities in the region was officially opened with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, April 10. The City of Kearney’s SportPlex is the culmination of four years of hard work and dedication.
Located near Interstate 80, the 209,000 square foot facility will offer a year-round, climate-controlled site to play. The facility features:
Over 59,000 square feet of hardwood gymnasium space designed for 8 basketball courts with conversion to 12 volleyball courts, allowance for 20 plus wrestling mats, and spectator bleachers
More than 66,000 square feet of premium turf field customizable for multiple-sized soccer fields for all ages, three drop-down net batting cages, and various other turf sports
Four pickleball courts plus spectator seating, comprised of over 9,000 square feet, 24,000 plus square feet available for a three-lane, 300-meter, full corners, running/walking track.
The SportsPlex is located at 1415 Younes Drive.
“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome this incredible new addition to Nebraska’s sports scene. This all-star venue is ready to host tournaments, camps, and sporting events of all kinds,” according to Visit Kearney.
Kearney City Manager Brenda Jensen, holding scissors left and SportsPlex Manager Lauren Brandt, holding scissors right, cut the ribbon for the SportsPlex facility, (Brian Neben, Central Nebraska Today)
At the ribbon cutting ceremony, Derek Rusher, President of the Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce welcomed a large crowd to the event.
“This is an outstanding facility,” Rusher said, adding that it it’s by far the largest facility on their membership list.
Jonathan Nikkila, Mayor of Kearney, said that parks and recreation has been a corner stone of the community for many years and is always cited when people talk about what they appreciate about Kearney.
Nikkila recalled several years ago when deciding on steps forward, the council debated if they were to seek gambling amenities or further their parks and recreation spaces. The choice to the council was clear – parks and rec.
This large of a project could be broken down into different phases, including the idea phase, advocacy phase, planning phase, the building phase and finally the opening phase, Nikkila said.
The project itself is four years in the making, Nikkila said and while the opening feels like a culmination, it’s really the beginning of a new phase for the community.
Stan Clouse, former Kearney mayor and current District 37 state senator, gave his thoughts on the SportPlex.
Clouse said Kearney was the first in the state to benefit from a change in the state law that allowed for the SportsPlex to be built. At the end of their sales pitch to then Governor Pete Ricketts, Clouse said that he could trust Kearney to get it done.
“This is something we can be very proud of,” Clouse said, “This (facility) will be busy all the time.”
Clouse thanked the residents of Kearney for having faith in the city council and leaders to vote to allow for the SportsPlex to be built, along with then Turnback sales tax.
In Nebraska, “turnback tax” refers to a state financial assistance program where state sales tax revenue collected at certain locations, like hotels and retailers near convention centers, is “turned back” to political subdivisions to help finance eligible projects.
Brenda Jensen, City Manager for Kearney, said it has been “impactful” to watch the public get their first look at the facility and to hear their feedback.
Jensen also took time to thank Paul Younes and his family, who donated the land that the SportsPlex facility is located on.
Jensen said the turnback sales tax from the Crown Plaza opening in south Kearney was a major component for making the SportsPlex a reality.
“Half of the funding, $17 million is coming from state sales tax that is being turned back to Kearney and that all started due to the Crown Plaza opening,” Jensen said.
Jensen also took time to thank her predecessor, former city manager Mike Morgan.
Jensen announced that the three lane running track around the gymnasium space of the facility would be named in honor of Mike Morgan, the former city manager.
The plaque reads in part, “This track is dedicated in honor of Michael W. Morgan whose passion for running was matched only by his dedication to the City of Kearney.”
“His love for the sport endured throughout his life reflecting his commitment to perseverance, discipline and excellence – values he also brought to his 19 years as Kearney’s City Manager.”
The final speaker was Laren Brandt, the manager of the SportsPlex.
Brandt said this was an “exciting day,” for the City of Kearney and said that the SportsPlex wasn’t just a building, but a result of hard work, long hours and tireless dedication.
Brandt also thanked over 80 contractors who worked to construct the SportsPlex and make it a facility that will last for generations to come. Brandt also noted there were too many people to thank in one sitting, but they all played their part to get the project to the finish line.
The hours for the facility will be Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
