Lincoln Voters Approve Turnback Tax for Volleyball Complex
Nearly 55% of voters backed diverting state sales taxes to fund a $17 million youth volleyball facility in north Lincoln.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Volleyball
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Lincoln voters approved a turnback tax measure in Wednesday's election to finance a $17 million youth volleyball sports complex. The plan uses the Sports Arena Facilities Financing Assistance Act to divert state sales taxes generated near the planned facility.
Why it matters
The approval shows how state sales tax revenue can be redirected to local sports infrastructure in Lincoln, with the city taking a share of taxes generated within a 600-yard radius of the site. The project's funding model depends on both public turnback revenue and private donations.
The measure passed with nearly 55% of votes, and N4VB said about $12 million in turnback taxes will cover construction of the $17 million complex. The remaining funding is to come from private donations and sponsorships, and the source data does not detail how that balance will be secured.
The players
Nebraska for Volleyball
Nebraska for Volleyball, also known as N4VB, is the organization partnering with the City of Lincoln on the youth volleyball complex.
The details
The turnback tax lets the city take a portion of state sales tax generated within a 600-yard radius of the facility. Nebraska for Volleyball partnered with the city on the project, which is planned for north Lincoln and is expected to open in 2028.
Timeline
Voters approved the turnback tax measure on November 4, 2026.
The volleyball complex is scheduled to open in 2028.
Roadmap
The Lincoln project applies the Sports Arena Facilities Financing Assistance Act, which allows cities to divert state sales tax revenue to sports facilities. Its projected $20-$25 million in annual economic activity after the first year positions the complex as a revenue generator rather than only a community amenity.
The complex is expected to open in 2028 and could generate as much as $51 million in economic activity by the end of its first operating year. Families planning youth volleyball participation in Lincoln will see the facility's timeline and cost structure tied to the turnback tax.
The takeaway
Lincoln's approval shows that turnback taxes can fund youth sports infrastructure without new taxes on residents, though the project still depends on private donations to close its funding gap. Readers following local youth sports should watch for updates on fundraising ahead of the planned 2028 opening.
Further reading
For more on youth sports facilities, see Volleyball coverage across Lincoln.
Source note: This article includes information reported by JournalStar.
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