Holdrege Hits Home Run with New $3.7 Million Baseball/Softball Complex

After a long journey and a few extra innings, Holdrege’s dream of a first-class youth baseball and softball complex is finally a reality.

“This is a symbol that the community is moving a very positive direction,” Holdrege Mayor Jim Liffrig said. “I understand the frustration people had as the project took longer than expected. No one has been more frustrated than I have been. But now that it’s completed, I think it’s something the community can be very proud of.”

Construction on the four-field complex in northwest Holdrege began in 2018. While a few finishing touches remain, the fields opened for practices and games to youth baseball and softball teams this spring.

The final price tag is just under $3.7 million. PCDC is contributing $75,000 a year toward the project over 15 years for a total of $1.125 million from LB840 sales tax funds.  

“PCDC recognized early on that this project would be an investment in both our families and our local economy,” PCDC Executive Director Jeff Hofaker said. “Facilities like this improve quality of life for citizens and youth, attract visitors and tournaments, and help make Phelps County an even better place to live.”

The Phelps County Community Foundation donated $250,000 toward the complex, and the remaining funds came from the City’s parks and recreation budget.

A Boost for Youth Sports

The new complex includes four fields, modern restrooms, a spacious concession stand, and Wi-Fi. The layout allows for multiple games and practices at the same time, reducing scheduling conflicts and creating more opportunities for youth participation.

For parents like Colby Larson, whose 11-year-old son, Hudson, plays baseball, the new facility is a game-changer.

“This has been a long time coming, and I just want everyone to take pride in what we have now,” Larson said.  

Due to a lack of field space and poor field conditions, Holdrege teams seldom hosted tournaments in recent years. Colby, who serves on the SPYAC (South Platte Youth Athletic Club) board, said she is glad to bring teams to Holdrege now to play on the new fields and decrease the amount of travel time for Holdrege teams.

SPYAC will host an 11U Titans baseball tournament in Holdrege June 27-28. Larson is looking forward to working with local businesses to welcome teams, coaches and parents from Minden, Kearney, Grand Island, North Platte and other towns.

“I love being able to host other towns now,” Colby said. “It’s great to hear all the compliments from other towns. I think it’s a great thing for Holdrege and has the potential to bring in a lot of business on weekends.”

Samantha Minnick, president of SPYAC and a coach for 12U softball, said the facility has generated tremendous enthusiasm.

“It’s a great addition,” Minnick said. “The complex is very state-of-the-art, and the concession stands and bathrooms are really nice.  We are loving it so far.”

Minnick is coordinating a softball tournament for 8U-12U girls on Saturday, June 13, with teams from McCook, Cozad, Aurora and Grand Island expected to attend. The tournament may start on Friday, June 12, depending on the number of teams that register.

Minnick said her husband, Kyle, coaches a 14U Holdrege Titans team. In the past, some of those teams would refuse to play in Holdrege. Now, teams are excited to play at the new complex.

Community Cooperation

SPYAC’s competitive Titans teams play at the new complex, along with the Don Sjogren Community YMCA recreation leagues.

The groups cooperate on field maintenance, along with help from the City of Holdrege staff. A shared Google document allows coaches from both organizations to reserve practice and game times. The YMCA is managing concessions during games.

YMCA Executive Director Joel Pelster said the YMCA uses the complex for its 8U softball and 8U, 10U and 12U baseball rec leagues. T-ball games will be played elsewhere.

“They are really nice fields with good dirt,” Pelster said. “And, it’s nice to have four fields there. When it comes to practicing and games, it’s not as difficult for everyone to find a place to go.”

YMCA church league softball will also play at the new fields later this summer.  

As the first full season unfolds, organizers expect to refine operations and work out a few hiccups. But overall, everyone involved is happy with the new complex. It is a visible investment in youth, families and the future of Holdrege.