KEARNEY- An indoor tennis complex planned for the University of Nebraska at Kearney scored another victory last week.

The Board of Regents approved an agreement that allows the University and city of Kearney to build and operate the $7.5 million facility. Under the agreement, the city will construct, own and operate the six-court tennis complex located along North Railroad Street on the south edge of UNK’s University Village development. UNK will provide operational and maintenance support throughout the 25-year contract.

Jon Watts, Vice chancellor for business and finance at UNK says that in addition to benefiting local schools and recreational players, Watts said the first-class tennis facility will support the Kearney economy by bringing out-of-town guests to town for tournaments, clinics or leagues. Construction of the tennis complex is expected to begin next fall, with a goal of opening the facility in 2021.

Six additional outdoor courts are part of the University Village master plan, a project that’s contingent on future funding.