Final phases of construction are underway on Owensboro’s new indoor sports complex, with city officials reporting steady progress and no major delays as crews work toward a targeted July opening.
Assistant City Manager Lelan Hancock said the project has entered its closing stages, with major structural elements largely complete and interior work advancing quickly.
“The exterior walls and masonry are finished, and you’re starting to see the steel siding go up,” Hancock said. “Inside, most of the upper painting is complete, lights are being installed, and crews are working on electrical systems and sprinklers overhead.”
The facility — designed as a large-scale tournament venue — will feature seven full basketball courts, which can convert into up to 14 volleyball courts. The flexible layout also allows for additional uses such as pickleball, cornhole, dance competitions, and other events.
Hancock said one of the next major milestones will be the installation of the hardwood playing surface, expected to arrive in May.
“They’re getting everything finished and out of the way so that when the floors arrive, we’re not running heavy equipment across them,” he said. “At that point, they’ll also begin conditioning the building to control humidity and prepare for installation.”
Large components, including HVAC systems and electrical equipment, are already on site or in storage, helping keep the project on schedule. Crews are also continuing roof work and finalizing the lobby area.
Upstairs, the complex will include a mezzanine with seating and bistro-style tables overlooking the courts, along with space designated for officials and coaches. Additional team rooms and restrooms will be located throughout the facility, though it will not include traditional locker rooms.
“They’ll have areas to get away from the crowd and regroup, but most teams will come ready to play,” Hancock said.
A key feature of the complex is its fully automated court system, allowing staff to quickly reconfigure the space for different sports and events.
“You can go to a control panel and lower all the basketball goals or raise them and bring down volleyball nets,” Hancock said. “One person can basically transform the entire setup.”
Operations of the facility will be managed by OVG, which also oversees the Owensboro Convention Center, Sportscenter, and The RiverPark Center. The city’s Director of Public Events Tim Ross is working alongside Visit Owensboro and venue partners to attract tournaments and events.
Hancock said bookings are already being pursued for the opening window, with interest building locally and regionally.
“This is a facility designed specifically for tournament play,” Hancock said. “It’s similar to what you see in Bowling Green, Elizabethtown, or Hopkinsville — places built to host travel sports.”
City leaders have long emphasized the economic impact of youth and amateur sports tourism, which brings visiting teams, families, and spectators to local hotels, restaurants, and businesses.
“It’s big business,” Hancock said. “Families travel all over the country for these events, and that creates a lot of opportunity for the community.”
The new complex is expected to complement existing venues such as the Owensboro Sportscenter by handling large, multi-court tournaments that current facilities were not designed to accommodate.
Hancock said anticipation continues to grow as construction nears completion.
“There’s a lot of interest and a lot of excitement,” he said. “I think it’s going to be heavily utilized once it opens.”
