A new youth sports complex under construction in Elkhorn is being called a "game changer" by the head of Omaha Sports Academy.
General Manager Bob Franzese says they and Nebraska Elite Volleyball are helping build the $10 million facility near 210th and Cumberbland Drive. It will feature six basketball and eight volleyball courts and a large strength and agility area.
"On a weekend when we're both hosting events, you could literally have 15,000 people come through our doors," Franzese says.
He says with the national reputation of both local youth clubs, he believes the Union Bank & Trust Sports Complex will draw competitive youth sports teams from all across the country as well as from around the region.
“This new facility will help build Omaha into a center for local, regional, and national tournaments,” Franzese says. “Its size, flexibility and world-class quality will give Omaha the opportunity to become the country’s hub for youth basketball and volleyball.”
Franzese says each tournament will bring thousands of visitors, which will give the local economy a big shot in the arm. "When you have all these teams coming in they need a place to eat and a place to stay."
Franzese says they will operate tournaments 45 weekends out of the year. In addition to the basektball and volleyball courts, a state-of-the-art training facility will also included.
Construction will be completed this fall and the facility is set to open November 1.