City leaders broke ground on a new 88,000-square-foot indoor sports facility in downtown Owensboro on Wednesday, marking the start of a project city officials hope will transform the city’s economic landscape and solidify its reputation as a regional sports tourism destination.
Take a virtual tour to see 3D renderings of the facility here.
“This facility represents a significant investment in our community’s future,” said City Manager Nate Pagan during the groundbreaking ceremony. “It will serve as a premier destination for athletes and families, enhancing our local economy and elevating 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 field adaptable for sports like pickleball, cornhole, futsal, cheer and dance competitions, and archery. A 9,200-square-foot mezzanine viewing area will offer spectators a comfortable space to watch the action.
“This facility will help keep our downtown vibrant and bustling throughout the colder months, drawing people into our local restaurants and shops,” said Mayor Tom Watson. “It’s more than just a place for sports; it’s an economic driver, bringing competitions, tournaments, and visitors to Owensboro, boosting our local economy.”
The facility is located at the intersection of 3rd and Cedar streets and is set to open by June 2026. Officials said it will offer direct pedestrian access to local hotels, attractions, and the Owensboro Convention Center. Watson added that it will have ample parking, including surface lots and nearby parking garages, ensuring convenience for all visitors.
“We are not just building a facility; we are building the future of Owensboro,” he said. “This is just the beginning of many great things to come.”
Claude Bacon, chairman of the Visit Owensboro board, emphasized the initiative’s strategic importance.
“The Visit Owensboro staff and partners have executed on the vision by increasing sports opportunities year after year,” Bacon said. “This new sports complex development highlights the power of tourism to drive economic impact and enhance 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 from Envision; Ted Lolley of Ted Lolley & Associates; and Mark Calitri and Dave Kirk from the Owensboro-Daviess County Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB).
Assistant City Manager Lelan Hancock added that the facility would have an immediate impact on the downtown businesses that will benefit from increased tourism during tournaments held at the complex.
“We have the amenities to provide to the patrons when they’re here for a tournament,” Herzog said. “Along with the Convention Center, we can attract a mixture of events and create a pleasant experience for visitors.”
Hancock emphasized that the facility’s primary focus would be large-scale athletic competitions and events but added that local athletic programs could rent the facility for various needs.
“I’m excited that we turned dirt today because it has been a long process to get to this point, especially through the design process because it is a fairly complex building,” he said. “Over the next 18 months, it will be a lot of fun seeing the shape come up, and then, hopefully, be open in June (2026) to start having tournaments.”
Pagan expressed gratitude to the many key players involved in bringing the project to fruition.
“Thank you to everyone involved in making this project a reality – from city staff to community leaders and all the partners who have supported this vision,” he said. “Your efforts are what make Owensboro a great place to live.”
