Nebraska
Nebraska is far more than just a centrally located destination; it’s a hidden gem in the heartland. The Cornhusker State boasts diverse landscapes, welcoming cities and towns, and an array of venues suited for any sporting event. “The state has top-end venues located in lively areas to go along with its passionate fan support,” says Ben Jones, marketing content specialist for Visit Nebraska. “Not only are the venues state-of-the-art, but the surrounding districts are welcoming and well-equipped for fans and visitors with dining, entertainment, lodging and more.”
Nebraska
Nebraska is far more than just a centrally located destination; it’s a hidden gem in the heartland. The Cornhusker State boasts diverse landscapes, welcoming cities and towns, and an array of venues suited for any sporting event. “The state has top-end venues located in lively areas to go along with its passionate fan support,” says Ben Jones, marketing content specialist for Visit Nebraska. “Not only are the venues state-of-the-art, but the surrounding districts are welcoming and well-equipped for fans and visitors with dining, entertainment, lodging and more.”
Simply put, sports are a big deal in Lincoln. Whether it’s youth tournaments, high school, college, professional or amateur, the fields of competition are always burning hot and ready for action. Build and grow with a winning team in Lincoln for your next event, as you won’t have to break the bank thanks to affordable hotel accommodations and top-notch facilities. Contact the Visit Lincoln team to help you schedule your next event and get a great idea of what your sporting experience can be in Lincoln. Head to lincoln.org to start your sporting success today!
Kearney is centrally located right off I-80. The city is a frequent host of many statewide and regional tournaments.
Hotel Rooms: 1971Hotel tax rate: 14.24 percent
Major Facilities:
- Patriot Park features four lighted baseball fields and four lighted softball fields
- Viaero Center encompasses 54,000-plus square feet of space and seating for 5500
- Kearney Raceway Park is the only drag strip in the state
Kearney Visitors Bureau, www.visitkearney.org.
Lincoln, Nebraska’s state capital, has a tremendous passion and tradition of hosting major national and international sports competitions. Lincoln’s commitment and small-town feel are what make it an attractive destination for any size event.
Hotel Rooms: 5400Hotel tax rate: 16.25 percent
Major Facilities:
- Sandhills Global Youth Complex has seven all turf baseball/softball fields
- Kinetic Sports Complex is a 93,500-square-foot venue with eight basketball courts that convert to 12 volleyball courts
- Pinnacle Bank Arena is a 15,500-seat venue
- Sandhills Global Event Center is a multipurpose venue with more than 400,000 square feet of space
Visit Lincoln, lincoln.org.
In northeast Nebraska is Norfolk. The city is situated in the Elkhorn River Valley of Madison County and is about 112 miles northwest of Omaha.
Hotel Rooms: Approximately 13 propertiesMajor Facilities:
Madison County Fairgrounds houses a rodeo arena. Northeast Community College offers a range of sporting facilities.
Contact:Norfolk Area Sports Council, visitnorfolkne.com.
North Platte is in central Nebraska, situated near the North and South Platte Rivers. The area features many sporting facilities that are all within convenient access of each other.
Hotel Rooms: 1900Hotel tax rate: 7 percent
Major Facilities:
- Dowhower Softball Complex has five diamonds with two additional fields across the street
- Cody Park Horseshoe Pitch has 30 lighted pits
- Wild West Arena is a PRCA outdoor rodeo arena with seating for 4000
- D&N Event Center offers a 40,000-square-foot building
Sandhills Convention Center houses 10,000 square feet of space.
Contact:North Platte Area Sports Commission, playnorthplatte.com.
Omaha is a city known for hosting all its sporting events with Olympic-level zest and expertise. The city is centrally located, making travel easy.
Hotel Rooms: 15,000Hotel tax rate: 18.16 percent
Major Facilities:
- CHI Health Center Omaha is an 18,300-seat multipurpose arena
- Baxter Arena is a 7,800-seat multipurpose venue
- Union Bank & Trust Sports Complex is a 178,000-square-foot complex for volleyball and basketball
- Moylan Iceplex houses an NHL-size sheet of ice and Olympic-size sheet of ice
- Koch Tennis Center offers 31 courts
- First Interstate Bank Sportsplex features six soccer fields and four baseball diamonds
Omaha CVB, visitomaha.com.
Situated directly south of Omaha, Sarpy County is home to Omaha’s southern suburbs. Sarpy County is the fastest growing county in Nebraska, which consists of five communities: Bellevue, Gretna, La Vista, Papillion, Springfield, along with Offutt Air Force Base.
Hotel Rooms: 2,200Hotel tax rate: Varies by city
Major Facilities:
- CHI Health Multisport Complex Nebraska has 12 multipurpose fields
- Papillion Landing Sports Complex includes six baseball/softball fields
- Papillion Landing Community Recreation Center consists of 96,000 square feet of space with a natatorium, three basketball courts, and six volleyball courts
- Gretna Crossing Park is a 157-acre park with four softball fields, four baseball fields, four soccer fields, 18-hole disc golf course, and eight-lane competition pool
- Werner Park is a 6,434-seat ballpark
Sarpy County Tourism, gosarpy.com.
South Sioux City is located along the Missouri River in northeast Nebraska.
Hotel Rooms: 250Hotel tax rate: 12 percent
Major Facilities:
Dible Soccer Complex has 10-plus fields. Riverview Softball/Baseball complex includes three softball fields and two baseball fields. South Sioux City Community Schools offers seven courts for basketball and volleyball.
Contact:South Sioux City Area Chamber of Commerce, visitsouthsiouxcity.com.