KEARNEY, Neb. — These signatures carry some extra weight for the Brandt family.

As a city employee, Lauren Brandt saw voters approve funding for the Kearney SportsPlex. Now as SportsPlex Manager, she’s with her kids sharing a milestone moment in the city’s biggest project ever.

“To be able to see them at this young age and then know that they’ll get to grow with this complex too, it’s just a once in a lifetime opportunity,” Brandt said.

The Brandts are part of a generation in Kearney that will grow up with newfound access to indoor court, field and track space. That’s what made Thursday’s topping off ceremony more significant than simply putting the final beam into place.

“To be able to share with the community and give them glimpses is just amazing," Brandt said. "There’s no more just glimpses now, it’s actually here.”

This moment was possible because of a decision made four or five years ago. City leaders and a local developer were considering bringing a casino and horse track to town. Instead, they decided the SportsPlex was a better fit for the community.

“We scrapped that idea and said, ‘no, we want something that’s more family-oriented because we want Kearney to be seen as a community where you can come in and do family things.’ That’s how this fits,” Mayor Stan Clouse said.

Clouse says the added sports tourism created by the SportsPlex will feed into the city’s already thriving hospitality sector. Construction projects for a multipurpose district, a new visitor’s center and a new dual hotel are also underway next door.

“Our community just continues to grow and we invest in our community and we have others investing in our community," Clouse said. "I think that’s what makes Kearney special.”

The investments for this project total $45 million. The SportsPlex spans more than 200,000 square feet and will include a 60,000 square foot gym, 66,000 square feet of field turf, four pickle ball courts and a three-lane, 300-plus meter track. 

It’s expected to open by this time next year.

“Just to imagine what this whole area will look like in five years… it’s hard to put into words," Brandt said. "This is just the beginning. I’d say buckle up, we’ve got a lot more coming.”