Two years ago, Elkhorn Athletic Association (EAA) introduced plans to build a game-changing sports complex that will be a signature destination facility for outdoor youth athletics and community recreation, not just for western Douglas County residents but for the entire region. Phase one nears completion of six soccer fields, four baseball/softball diamonds, and EAA’s state-of-the-art all-play field for athletes of all abilities, presented by Boys Town Pediatrics.
After hosting initial soccer games and tournaments, EAA held its first large event at the complex—the Nebraska State Soccer Association’s annual State Cup on EAA’s six new natural grass soccer fields, including the DJ’s Dugout and Centris Federal Credit Union fields. Over 60 high school-aged club soccer teams, and upwards of 3,000 people were in attendance.
As the western Douglas County population booms, so do EAA registrations and the need to add to the complex. Today, EAA provides athletic opportunities for:
• Over 8,000 athletes (boys and girls) participating in nine sports: cheerleading, baseball, basketball, football (flag and tackle), softball, soccer, wrestling, lacrosse, and track & field
• Vast majority of Elkhorn Public Schools students and the surrounding communities
• More than 3,500 area families
Looking ahead to phase two of the complex, EAA will begin the next phase of its Inspire a Generation, Give Like a Champion capital campaign to help fund additional baseball/softball quads and amenities for the complex. Its public/private partnerships will help fill the fields with local but also impactful revenue and tourism generating events.
In addition to the athletic fields, the surrounding commercial and residential development will serve as a resource destination for the City of Valley and surrounding communities by providing single and multi-family housing, retail, restaurants, hotels, and sports recreation. The concept is to blend iconic Nebraska farm land with urban amenities and resources.
If you are interested in partnering with EAA’s new complex, leaving a legacy, making a difference, as well as highly visible sports marketing and branding opportunities, contact EAA’s Executive Director, Development and Community Relations, Josh Todd, to schedule a conversation at joshtodd@elkhornathletics.org.
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