Kearney, Neb., unveils state-of-the-art sports complex
Kearney, Neb., has upped the ante on sports, recreation and community fun with the recent opening of a city-owned and operated indoor complex. The SportsPlex is a 209,000-square-foot recreation center that promises to serve the needs of athletes and community members year-round.
The facility, which opened its doors in April, has been a concept long in the works.
“It’s been on the community’s wish list for years, a place that provides indoor recreation space for all ages,” said Brenda Jensen, Kearney city manager.
Jensen, who has been with the city for six and a half years and took on her current role in January 2024, emphasized the importance of balancing community needs with the city’s growing potential for sports tourism.
Per Jensen, the SportsPlex is designed to be multi-functional, and it boasts extensive amenities. Residents and guests have access to eight basketball courts that can easily convert into 12 volleyball courts, as well as 66,000 square feet of turf complete with drop-down batting cages and pitching machines for baseball and softball. Four standalone pickleball courts cater to one of the fastest-growing sports in the nation. And, as Jensen noted, a 330-meter suspended walking track attracts a steady flow of walkers and runners across generations.
“There are amenities to fit all interests, from toddlers enjoying playtime to senior citizens using the walking track,” Jensen said. “Everyone is loving it.”
Another draw is that the facility offers structured programming like a popular toddler time, which is an outlet for parents and little ones to enjoy a safe, active indoor space for just less than a cup of coffee.
But the space doesn’t just cater to drop-in activity: The SportsPlex has already hosted major events in its brief two months of operation. That translates to more than 20,000 users and spectators. According to Jensen, the complex has served as a venue for a volleyball tournament with 150 teams. A wrestling camp hosted by the local university brought in 970 campers and more than 100 coaches, showcasing the scale and functionality of the complex.
“We’re tracking usage and continuously looking for ways to enhance operations,” Jensen said. “Events like these are proof of the versatile role this space is playing in our city.”
Bringing the idea of a SportsPlex to life required both imagination and funding. The $46-million project was made possible through a blend of public and state funding. According to Jensen, around $17 million came from Nebraska’s state sales tax turnback program, which allows the city to retain 70% of sales tax revenue generated within 600 yards of the SportsPlex. Another $17 million was sourced from Kearney’s existing 1% restaurant tax, extended through a community bond vote spearheaded by a citizen-led committee called “Play on Kearney.”
“We had excellent engagement from the community throughout the planning process,” Jensen said. “This was truly a collective effort, designed to meet a variety of needs while being fiscally conscientious.”
Despite the recentness of its opening, the SportsPlex has already gained recognition as a vital addition not just for Kearney’s 35,000 residents, but for the larger region. In Jensen’s words, “It’s one of the only municipal facilities of its kind, offering such a diverse array of amenities.”
To design a space that met varied demands, Kearney officials toured other facilities and conducted needs assessments. Jensen contended that balance was a key priority, explaining the combination of basketball courts, turf and other features.
“We know it doesn’t solve every issue, like gym availability, but our goal was to create a space that fulfills as many needs as possible,” she said.
Looking to the future, Jensen said the facility is expected to shift into high gear during the fall and winter months, as colder weather increases indoor activity. With that in mind, the city plans to market the facility and diversify the types of events it can host.
Jensen expressed appreciation for the team that brought the SportsPlex vision to life, including director Lauren Brandt. A city leader, Brandt is tasked with ensuring the facility remains both a vibrant community space and a high-functioning event center.
In Jensen’s mind, the SportsPlex represents much more than just a new building. It’s a physical manifestation of a community’s commitment to recreation, fitness and shared experiences.
“This is a facility that belongs to everyone, and it’s only the beginning. We’re excited to see how it will bring people together and help Kearney thrive,” she said.
No1: Patrons can use the new SportsPlex on an hourly rental or drop-in basis. (Provided by Kearney, Neb.) No2: Kearney City Manager Brenda Jensen 
No3: The SportsPlex in Kearney, Neb., hosts league play, including 3×3 basketball games. (Provided by Kearney, Neb.) 
No4: Turf accommodates multiple-sized soccer fields for athletes of all ages. (Provided by Kearney, Neb.)
