KEARNEY — The City of Kearney held a “Topping Out” event on Thursday, April 4 for the Kearney SportsPlex, which is currently under construction on the south side of town along Interstate 80.
Lauren Brandt, SportsPlex Manager, said after the ceremony that her feelings were hard to put into words, but the event represented the culmination and continuation of dedication and effort that had been put into making the facility a reality.
A topping out or beam raising celebrate occurs when the final structural beam is raised into place, completing a building’s frame.
The SportsPlex is planned to be three times the size of the Ernst Grundy Tennis Center.
Located near Interstate 80, the 209,000 square foot facility will offer a year-round, climate-controlled site to play. The facility will feature the following:
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 anticipated to be completed late 2024 or early 2025.
Brandt said the full impact the SprotsPlex has on the future of Kearney has yet to be seen, but in the immediate future, it offers more indoor sports amenities than there are today.
She noted there has never been a facility that houses indoor field turf in Kearney.
The facility represents Kearney’s investment into becoming a sports tourist destination, Brandt said, adding that it will put Kearney even further on the map, with the hopes of drawing regional and even national event that will draw thousands to Kearney.
She said the SportsPlex will benefit the entire community, with visitors staying in the nearby hotels and eating at the local restaurants.
When asked about the site of the SportsPlex, Brandt said, “What better location, we are right on Interstate 80.” New signage will be installed that will advertise to passing traffic that this facility is the Kearney SportsPlex.
“You won’t have to question, what is that really large building?” Brandt said.
The SportsPlex is just the beginning for the southwestern edge of Kearney, Brandt said. “The sky is the limit on what is to come,” she said.
Mayor Stan Clouse said the setting of the final beam is significant because it signifies the completing of the structure of the building, now the work can begin on the inside.
“It’s a milestone, that is really important in the construction process,” Clouse said.
Clouse added that any civic or church groups would benefit from having Brandt come speak to them about the SportsPlex and what it could offer to not only sports groups, but others as well.
Randy Buschkoetter, Kearney city council member, offered his thoughts, “It’s exciting to see the project keep moving forward. The (SportsPlex) has gone up pretty quickly, it’s nice to have that milestone accomplished.”
