Developments in Kearney, NE, to Bring Positive Effects

City of Kearney Park & Recreation Department

While Kearney residents are met with a high quality of life, the new Kearney SportsPlex is expected to make it skyrocket. Not to mention, it should have a similar effect on the local economy. The SportsPlex is one of many great new developments in Kearney, NE.

“It’s a game changer,” say SportsPlex manager Lauren Brandt. 

The 209,000-square-foot facility will give residents a place to walk, run and play sports, like pickleball and soccer, in its indoor facilities. Other times, the SportsPlex will be used to host youth and college tournaments. Plus, teams, their families and fans will enjoy new amenities developing around the SportsPlex, including hotels, restaurants and entertainment facilities. 

“It has dual purpose,” Brandt says. “The SportsPlex is a local amenity, and on the revenue side, we expect to become a sports tourism destination.” 

Attractive Amenities 

The SportsPlex is being developed on land right off Interstate 80, which was donated by Paul Younes and his family. Several attractions already exist in this area, thanks to the Younes family. They own the ever-growing Younes Campus, a hospitality district that features hotels, restaurants and stores. Soon, the campus will see two new hotels, which are being developed to the northeast of the SportsPlex, as well as a two-story golf venue and Younes Landing, which will feature various restaurants.

These developments in Kearney will provide everything from lodging to entertainment for those visiting the area to watch or take part in tournaments at the SportsPlex. 

“These amenities will create a comprehensive and attractive environment for visitors, and Kearney-area residents will benefit, as well,” says Derek Rusher, president and CEO of the Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce, who notes the chamber is relocating to that area, as well. 

Everyone Wins

While the SportsPlex and its surrounding area will cater to visitors, the development creates a win-win-win scenario, as it will also benefit locals and the economy. 

“For residents, the SportsPlex will offer state-of-the-art facilities for various sports and recreational activities, including one of the largest indoor walking tracks in the region. All of this promotes a healthy lifestyle and provides a venue for community events,” Rusher says. 

Additionally, Kearney’s existing network of nearly 30 miles of walking and biking trails will connect to the SportsPlex campus, creating even more opportunities for residents to get outside and be active. 

The facility will also be advantageous for the local economy. 

“Economically, it will attract regional and national tournaments, bringing in visitors who will support local businesses, including hotels, restaurants and stores,” Rusher says. “This influx of visitors will create job opportunities and increase local revenue.” 

Collective Accomplishment 

According to Rusher, the facility has been made possible through extensive public support and strategic partnerships, plus the extension of the Patriot Park tax, which played a crucial role in securing the necessary funding.

The Patriot Park tax can be traced back to 2014, when area voters approved a restaurant/occupation tax that funded the creation of Patriot Park, which opened in 2017. This tax was also used to fund the SportsPlex, which reflects the community’s commitment to investing in its future. 

Speaking of the community, many people played a role in helping bring the SportsPlex concept to life. 

“We are very fortunate to have partners who are standing side by side with us,” Brandt says. “The Visitors Bureau, the Younes’ land donation – that support is really tremendous. Everybody is excited about this.” 

Rusher agrees. “I think that is what makes the Kearney area special; it’s that many entities come together to get things done, and they don’t care who gets the credit. These collaborative efforts demonstrate the power of community involvement and partnership in bringing ambitious projects like the SportsPlex to fruition,” he says. 

Though the facility is set to open in March 2025, success came early. Tournaments began booking well in advance, and contracts are booked through 2028, according to Brandt. 

“The SportsPlex symbolizes the Kearney area’s proactive approach to development and its vision of becoming a regional hub for sports, recreation and activities. It showcases our readiness to embrace opportunities and dedication to creating a thriving and dynamic community,” Rusher says.