Youth Complex Leads Sports Funding in Lancaster County, Nebraska

Several sports organizations in Nebraska’s second-largest county are among the beneficiaries of $12 million in Visitors Improvement funding that will invest in tourism infrastructure.

Earlier this month the Lancaster County Board approved the allocation out of more than $32 million worth of requests. Among the organizations that will receive the funds, $2 million will go to the Sandhills Global Youth Complex, $1 million will go to the Lincoln Sports Foundation and $750,000 will go to Lincoln Youth Football.

Lancaster County is home to the University of Nebraska’s main campus in Lincoln.

The Sandhills Youth Complex is the first baseball and softball complex of its kind in the state, with all-turf fields for ages 8-14. The facility hosts instructional clinics and camps as well as tournaments for youth in Lincoln and throughout the region and is the home for Nebraska Wesleyan’s men’s and women’s teams. It opened in April 2025 with a ceremony that included Nebraska native and Kansas City Royals legend Alex Gordon.

The Visitors Improvement Fund, derived from a portion of Lancaster County’s 4% lodging tax, is used to promote, encourage, and attract visitors to come to Lancaster County and use the travel and tourism facilities within our community.

“We are very fortunate in Lancaster County to have so many local organizations striving for what makes our community a great place to live and visit,” said Christa Yoakum, Lancaster County Board Chair, stated. “I am pleased that our tourism grant funds will support both the enhancement of beloved local attractions and innovative new projects, such as a fully accessible pool and girls’ flag football program. Through our strategic allocations, we were able to support arts, athletics, and family-friendly venues, catering to a wide range of interests.”
Other projects to receive funding include the Lincoln Children’s Zoo ($2.52 million, the most of any project), the Lied Center for performing arts ($1.2 million) and Meadowlane Pool ($400,000).

“It is great to see the role our County Board of Commissioners plays in creating a positive economic impact through its investment in tourism attractions,” said Jeff Maul, Executive Director of Visit Lincoln. “Through the work of Visit Lincoln and the members of the Visitors Promotion Committee, tourism remains a vital engine in driving sales and lodging tax revenues by contributing to a growing tourism skyline that enhances opportunities for visitors and residents alike.”