In 2008, an indoor facility was completed at Memorial Field that houses in an indoor practice area, offices for the UNK coaching staff, players lounge and players learning center.
The building allows the Lopers and Kearney's Legion and Little League teams to practice indoors when the weather is cold. The hitting facility can be configured for three or six batting cages or a dozen cubicles for individual practice sessions.
A small building next door includes the Loper locker rooms, weight room and an additional indoor practice area.
"From a Division II standpoint, it gives us one of the top 15 facilities in the nation," UNK head coach Damon Day told the
Kearney Hub. "Very few communities have this type of community-based place to hit. From 6 years old to college age, you're not going to get a better place to practice baseball."
UNK players can work out and get cleaned up before/after practice in the building.
"We don't have to run around to five different buildings to get things done. We can lift, hit, shower and come right down here into study hall," Day said.
In January 2009, Luke Hochevar and outfielder Mitch Maier of the Kansas City Royals were in Kearney for the Royals Fan Caravan and got to workout in the then-new facility.
"We didn't have anything like this when I was in school," said Maier, who was an All-American at Division I Toledo. Hochevar, who played at Tennessee and was the Royals No. 1 pick, agreed.
"It's nice to have, especially in a cold-weather climate where most teams can't get outside," Hochevar said. "It's nice for the players here to have so they can come in and get their work in when they need to, and its definitely nice for us to be able to get our work in."
The complex was funded by private donations.
To see additional pictures of the facility, click
HERE and then choose baseball.
