City leaders broke ground on a new 85,000-square-foot indoor sports facility in downtown Owensboro on Wednesday, marking the start of a project that city officials hope will transform the city’s economic landscape and cement its reputation as a regional sports tourism destination.

Take a virtual tour here to see 3D renderings of the facility.

“This facility represents a significant investment in the future of our community,” said City Manager Nate Pagan during the groundbreaking ceremony. “It will be a premier destination for athletes and families, strengthen our local economy and enhance Owensboro as a regional sports tourism destination.”

The state-of-the-art facility will feature seven basketball courts, 14 volleyball courts and a modular turf court that can be adapted for sports such as pickleball, cornhole, futsal, cheerleading and dance competitions and archery. An 850-square-foot mezzanine spectator area will provide spectators with a comfortable place to watch the action.

“This facility will help keep our downtown vibrant and lively during the colder months, drawing people to our restaurants and shops,” said Mayor Tom Watson. “It’s more than just a place for sports; it’s an economic engine that brings competitions, tournaments and visitors to Owensboro, boosting our local economy.”

The facility is located at the intersection of 3rd and Cedar Streets and is scheduled to open in June 2026. Officials say it will provide direct pedestrian access to local hotels, attractions and the Owensboro Convention Center. Watson added that there will be ample parking, including on-site parking and nearby parking garages, ensuring convenient access for all visitors.

“We’re not just building a facility; we’re building the future of Owensboro,” he said. “This is just the beginning of many great things to come.”

Claude Bacon, chairman of the board of Visit Owensboro, emphasized the strategic importance of the initiative.

“Visit Owensboro staff and partners have delivered on that vision by creating more sports opportunities year after year,” said Bacon. “This new sports complex underscores the power of tourism to create economic impact and improve the quality of life for our visitors and residents.”

OVG 360, which currently manages the Owensboro Convention Center and Owensboro Sportscenter, will manage the facility. General Manager Jeff Esposito will oversee operations.

Key figures in the development of the facility include architects Derek Brooks and Andrew Owens of Sherman Carter Barnhart, Matt Hayden and Ed Ray of Envision, Ted Lolley of Ted Lolley & Associates, and Mark Calitri and Dave Kirk of the Owensboro-Daviess County Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB).

Deputy City Manager Lelan Hancock added that the facility will have an immediate impact on downtown businesses, which will benefit from increased tourism during tournaments held at the facility.

“We have the amenities to offer our guests when they are here for a tournament,” Herzog said. “Together with the Convention Center, we can attract a mix of events and provide a pleasant experience for visitors.”

Hancock stressed that the focus of the facility is on major sporting competitions and events, but added that local sports programs could rent the facility for various purposes.

“I’m delighted that we broke ground today because it’s been a long process to get to this point, especially the design process as it’s quite a complex building,” he said. “It’s going to be a lot of fun over the next 18 months to see the shape come together and then hopefully in June (2026) it’ll be open to start hosting tournaments.”

Pagan expressed his gratitude to the many key figures who contributed to the realization of the project.

“Thank you to everyone who made this project a reality – from city staff to community leaders and all the partners who supported this vision,” he said. “Your efforts make Owensboro a great place to live.”