Concordia Nebraska to partner with Seward Public Schools, City of Seward in Plum Creek Sports Complex improvement project

by Amy Crawford

Seward, NE (11/20/2024) — Concordia University, Nebraska today announced that the university has approved pursuit of a collaboration effort with the City of Seward and Seward Public Schools for possible upgrades to the Plum Creek Sports Complex for baseball and softball.

Concordia Nebraska, Seward Public Schools and the City of Seward have collaborated to develop a comprehensive Plum Creek Sports Complex improvement plan that includes a 20-year lease agreement with the city as owner. Concordia Nebraska has committed to seeking corporate sponsors and donors to help fund a portion of the project and will also be responsible for turf replacement in 10 to 12 years. The remaining funding for the project will come from City of Seward, Seward Public Schools and the Community Turf Fund.

"Concordia Nebraska seeks to continue to improve all aspects of our campus. In the last 12 months, we have invested in dorm renovations, new graduate program offerings, Scholar programs and a number of other initiatives. This partnership opportunity is another way to grow and invest in our campus community," said Concordia University, Nebraska President Dr. Bernard Bull. "Since 1894, when Seward citizens worked to bring Concordia Nebraska to Seward, the city has been a valued partner. The Plum Creek Sports Complex upgrade project offers Concordia Nebraska an exciting opportunity to join in a historic mutually beneficial partnership with the City of Seward and Seward Public Schools. We look forward to ongoing discussions about this project and the benefits it will bring to all parties involved."

Currently featuring natural grass spaces, the Plum Creek Sports Complex is used by Concordia Nebraska, Seward Public Schools and the City of Seward. The natural grass fields require ongoing maintenance, and upkeep can be challenging due to weather conditions and frequent use. Possible Plum Creek Sports Complex upgrades include turf installation to replace current natural grass spaces, as well as improved dugouts, grandstands, bullpens and lighting.

The fields will be co-branded for both the Concordia Nebraska Bulldogs and Seward Bluejays. The upgraded space will provide a collegiate level field that is easily accessible to support students and coaches with close proximity to the university campus. The sports complex will also elevate opportunities for other Seward County athletic and youth programs.

"This project will be one of the largest collaborative events to take place in the community between the city, its schools and Concordia Nebraska," said Bull. "Not only do we strive to be a good neighbor to our community, we seek to enhance the opportunity to recruit and retain student athletes for the university and provide them with a Christ-centered, world class education. In addition, this field enhancement will create cost savings and revenue opportunities for the operation of our baseball and softball programs. This effort affords us the unique opportunity to build relationships with new corporate partners and new donors while serving our university community and benefitting our Seward neighbors."

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Plum Creek Park in Seward