The Lancaster County Board of Commissioners has approved a $1 million grant for the Lincoln Sports Foundation, a nonprofit that operates a sprawling sports complex on North 70th Street and Arbor Road. Executive Director Sam Lesoing said the funding will allow the foundation to improve visitor amenities and continue a five‑phase expansion plan that will benefit both local families and out‑of‑state tourists.
Grant purpose and immediate projects
The grant will be used to upgrade the mezzanine area, creating a better viewing space for spectators, and to renovate restrooms and the lobby to make the facility more comfortable for the growing number of guests. The foundation is also adding new volleyball courts as part of the broader effort to enhance the complex’s recreational offerings.
Growth in visitation
Lesoing highlighted a dramatic rise in usage over the past five years. “From 2022 to 2027, we’ve seen an increase of 500,000 visitors,” he said. “There were 250,000 in 2022, and we’re projecting over 700,000 in 2027, with significant out‑of‑state tourism to the area.” The improvements are slated for completion by the spring of 2027, aligning with the foundation’s long‑term vision for the 150‑plus‑acre campus.
Community impact
Local leaders praised the investment as a boost to Lincoln’s youth sports infrastructure. “It’s crucial for the community,” Lesoing said, noting that the complex was in a “bad spot” in 2018 and has since become a focal point for family recreation and community events. County commissioners have been strong advocates for the facility, and the grant reflects a continued partnership between public officials and the nonprofit sector.
Future phases
The current upgrades are part of a larger, five‑phase development plan that will eventually expand the campus’s amenities, add new fields and courts, and enhance overall accessibility. The foundation’s leadership emphasized that the project is a team effort, relying on a mix of public funding, private donations and community support.
With the grant secured, the Lincoln Sports Foundation is poised to deliver a modern, family‑friendly sports environment that aligns with the values of strong neighborhoods, parental involvement and community stewardship.
Original reporting: KLKN-TV – News, Weather and Sports for Lincoln, Nebraska — read the source article.
