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Scotts Bluff County tourism fund approves grants for combat sports, softball fields, gravel race and music festival
Summary
The tourism advisory board recommendations were approved: $12,500 for Legion Combat Sports; $37,500 per year for two years toward Scottsdale High School softball field improvements (total $75,000 requested); $16,000 prize purse for Rubadoux Rendezvous gravel event; and $13,750 marketing for the Horizon Music Festival.
The Scotts Bluff County Board approved multiple tourism fund grants and incentives recommended by the county's tourism committee.
Legion Combat Sports: The board approved a promotional/incentive grant of $12,500 for Legion Combat Sports, an MMA/mixed martial arts promoter based in North Platte that stages events in the county. Tourism staff said the grant includes $2,000 earmarked for marketing; the remainder is an incentive to help attract professional fighters and support event operations. The board noted the promoter follows state requirements for medical and safety staffing.
Scottsbluff High School softball field improvements: The tourism board recommended splitting a $75,000 capital request into two annual payments of $37,500 to fund protective awnings/bleacher improvements at the Scottsbluff High School complex, which is city-owned and leased to the school. Presenters representing 308 United (a regional softball organization) said the improvements would improve safety and visitor comfort during tournaments that draw teams from Colorado, Wyoming and South Dakota. The board approved $37,500 per year for two years on condition funds be released against invoices and completed work.
Rubadoux Rendezvous prize purse: The board approved $16,000 for the Rubadoux Rendezvous gravel cycling event in 2026 to increase prize money, which organizers said helps attract a larger pro field and raise the event's stature. Tourism staff said the event previously delivered substantial visitor spending; organizers estimate hundreds of participants and significant local economic activity.
Horizon Music Festival: The board approved a $13,750 marketing grant for the Horizon (Christian) Music Festival, a free two-day event that drew large crowds in prior years. Organizers described targeted radio, social media, email and streaming marketing aimed at a 300-mile radius and noted national-level artists on the lineup.
Each request was approved after presentations and committee endorsement. Commissioners emphasized measuring return on investment through available tools (Nebraska Sports Index and Placer AI) and asked organizers to provide post-event metrics.
