Kearney SportsPlex sets fee structure, groundbreaking on Aug. 1

KEARNEY, Neb. — The City of Kearney is making progress on its plans for the community’s new 209,000-square-foot sports complex.

Lauren Brandt is the manager for the facility, which will be called the Kearney SportsPlex. She presented a fee structure to the city council on Tuesday. Brandt researched comparable facilities and toured some other complexes to create the plan.

“It was taking all of that information, kind of compiling it, but then also realizing what our population is, too, and where we’re going to be able to pull our users from,” Brandt said.

Brandt and city manager Mike Morgan say the prices are lower than at most similar venues, largely due to the SportsPlex’s non-profit status. Staff will analyze how things go during the first year and could make adjustments.

“It’s just going to be looking at all of the data at the end of the day and seeing what fits Kearney," Brandt said. "We’re always kind of a little unique, we want to make sure it fits us.”

Residents voted to approve the $34 million project in 2021. It will feature four sport surfaces: turf, hardwood, a track and courts for pickle ball. Users can reserve space in advance or pay a drop-in rate.

“I do envision that we are going to have a lot more larger events that are hopefully going to create a positive economic impact for the city of Kearney,” Brandt said.

Work has started on the infrastructure supporting the SportsPlex and an official groundbreaking is scheduled for August 1st. It’s on track to open in late 2024.

“Being here now and actually getting to visit with other facilities, getting to visit with local user groups and folks, it’s beyond exciting,” Brandt said.