Welcome to the August 2025 edition of the Sports ETA Facility Showcase! This month, the spotlight is on the First Interstate SportsPlex in Valley, Nebraska.  Keep reading to the end for the “Key Difference Maker” as this insight can add perspective to your own facility.

First Interstate Sports Complex – A Complex for All 

In the sports world, we often associate Omaha, Nebraska with the College World Baseball Championship. Don’t get me wrong, Omaha has a rich history of hosting many sporting events from regional championship to Olympic Trials, as well as baseball.  Located minutes west of Omaha, lies a sports complex that prides itself as a “sports for all” and their “no kids turned away” mantra.  It is owned and managed by the Elkhorn Athletic Association (EEA).  

As Omaha's largest non-profit youth sports organization, they served over 8,300 kids across 10 sports in 2024 and their participants are comparable to a midsize Nebraska school district. The SportsPlex serves families in 76+ zip codes, while championing a "Sports for All" ethos by ensuring no child is turned away due to financial or physical barriers. While ¾ of their offerings are recreational, they also feature select baseball, softball (owning the state's largest club), soccer, and basketball. 

Behind the Scenes 

Five to six years ago, the Elkhorn Athletic Association envisioned needing its own facilities due to growth. At the time, annual field and gym leases exceeded $1 million. They bought 265 acres in Valley, NE (Douglas County), anticipating population growth. They completed phase one of the First Interstate SportsPlex (named for their 20-year partner, First Interstate Bank) in April 2024 and they are in their second season of programming. 

Phase One of the SportsPlex features eight baseball/softball diamonds, six soccer fields, the Boys Town Pediatrics Adaptive Sports Field, and parking for over 1700 vehicles. Its outdoor Nebraska location allows for an April 1-November 1 operational window. In January 2025, they sold 170+ acres to developers, retaining 90+ acres for the SportsPlex. This will make them the centerpiece of "Catalina," a $170 million residential and commercial development. 

Success Stories 

Unlike most large sports complexes, their in-house programming ensures 75% field utilization, eliminating sole reliance on external bookings. Since April 2024, they’ve hosted thousands for daily activities and regional/national tournaments like the Triple Crown Sports Slumpbuster and USA Softball Men's Wheelchair World Series. They've expanded into Adaptive Sports with Miracle League and High Five programming. Between April 1 and July 31, 2025, they welcomed over 14,000 unique out-of-town visitors from 27 states. The collaboration with Visit Omaha, their housing agency, is crucial, providing data and enabling them to own and operate tournaments, boosting sponsorship and rental revenue. 

In the words of Brandon Hardy, Baseball Director of Triple Crown Sports “The expansion of the SportsPlex has already made a tangible impact for our events....the vision behind this facility has shown tremendous potential to become a premier sports destination nationally.” 

Design Innovations 

So far, approximately 42 of the 90+ acres designated for their SportsPlex have been developed, representing an investment exceeding $15 million. While the existing outdoor natural playing fields currently have limited power and no sewer lines, Phase Two fundraising and planning are in progress. This next phase will involve extending power and sewer infrastructure throughout the entire development. Critical infrastructure and permanent buildings for restrooms, concessions, a playground, water facilities, maintenance, and storage are also planned for this upcoming phase. 

A Focus on Community Engagement 

Their core strength lies in community engagement, which has significantly boosted fundraising efforts and enabled them to offer superior, free-to-access playing fields. Over the past two years, their scholarship contributions within the community have also grown. As a non-profit, they operate on a long-term, patient development model, managing 11 distinct budget areas without municipal or corporate funding. This necessitates a responsible approach to youth sports, adhering to the principle of "building as we can afford it." 

Crafting Unique Experiences 

The SportsPlex offers a unique "throwback" experience, reminiscent of a "Field of Dreams" setting with surrounding corn and soybean fields. Conveniently located just 30-40 minutes from downtown Omaha and its airport, and with a charming small-town Dairy Queen nearby, it's an ideal family destination. 

Guests often treat the grounds like a campground, with tents, parking lot gatherings, and a BYOB policy between games. While families are welcome to bring their own lunches, the SportsPlex also provides amenities like beverages, food trucks, shaved ice, and non-perishable snacks. Parking is free for all events, and there's ample space for everyone to spread out and enjoy. 

Sustainability, Future Growth and Impact 

The SportsPlex utilizes natural grass and local dirt/Agri lime surfaces, benefiting from its own water table for irrigation, it has eliminated water bills. Significant environmental improvements are already underway, with hundreds of new trees planted and future plans for trash and recycling initiatives.  Construction is slated for completion by the end of 2030. This phase includes the addition of six more baseball/softball diamonds, the resurfacing of all soccer/multipurpose fields with synthetic turf, and the expansion of parking and buildings to include restrooms, concessions, and office/maintenance shops. 

To fund this expansion, EEA partnered with the City of Valley to apply for Nebraska's turnback tax law option. The initial success of building the fields of play first has proven to be a sound investment, attracting significant interest from the hotel, restaurant, residential, and retail sectors. Further plans include an indoor sports component, developed in partnership with their developers and investors, towards the end of the current timeline.  

KEY DIFFERENCE MAKER: “We Dream of Our Future” 

“When you look back on our past, we reflect on our present, we dream of our future” These are the opening words when you visit the website for First Interstate SportsPlex.  The second item you read is, “A signature destination for outdoor youth athletics.”  No clearer mission statement is made than these selected words.  They know what they are and who they are serving.  I often call this Clarity of Focus, or a clear description of what they are working to achieve.  In the words of the SportsPlex leadership, “this project has been the epitome of rural development that will help transform the tax base of a small town, with never before seen economic and tourism impact from sports...and the best is yet to come!” 

Do you have a clear vision of the future for your facility? 

Who can you partner to start or complete your facility? 

What is your facility a “sports for all” destination? 

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Want to showcase a facility in your destination?
Contact: Vince Trinidad at Vince@SportsETA.org

Miss a previous Facility Showcase? Check them out here!