Key Takeaways
- Nebraska Elite Volleyball turned away 66 athletes this season due to lack of available court space
- Two youth sports organizations applied to use the Sports Arena Facility Finance Assistance Act to finance new facility construction
- The tax incentive would allow facilities to collect 70% of sales tax from new businesses within a 600-yard radius
- Governor Jim Pillen’s office released a statement opposing the application, citing concerns about sales tax base erosion
- A decision on the applications was expected on November 21, 2025
Space Constraints Drive Facility Proposals
Nebraska Elite Volleyball and Cheer Athletic Omaha have applied to Governor Jim Pillen for approval to build new sports facilities using state tax incentives.
Tony Carrow, club director of Nebraska Elite Volleyball, said his organization had to turn away 66 athletes who had completed their high school volleyball seasons. “We simply have no more court space,” Carrow told local media.
Both organizations argue that new facilities would address growing demand for youth sports participation in the region.
How the Tax Incentive Program Works
The groups are seeking approval to use Nebraska’s Sports Arena Facility Finance Assistance Act. This program allows approved facilities to collect 70% of sales tax generated from new businesses within a 600-yard district to help finance construction costs.
“There’s no cost to the state of current dollars. It’s simply a cost of future dollars,” Carrow said.
Craig Wolf, representing one of the applicant groups, said potential tenants including hotels, retail, and restaurants have expressed interest in developing near the proposed facilities.
Economic Impact Projections
Consultant Jeff Weak projected the volleyball facility would generate 40,000 new hotel room nights. According to the presentation, the state would collect full sales tax revenue on these stays since no hotel currently exists near the proposed facility location.
The groups emphasized that economic activity would extend beyond the 600-yard tax collection district, creating additional tax revenue for the state.
Governor’s Office Opposes Application
Governor Pillen’s communications director Laura Strimple released a statement on the applications. The statement said Pillen “will not be a party to further erosion of Nebraska’s sales tax base with new loopholes and carveouts when there is still not a reliable indication from the Legislature that existing sales tax loopholes and imbalances can be closed and corrected to achieve lasting and transformative property tax relief.”
The governor’s decision was expected on Thursday, November 21, 2025.
Via: KEVTV
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