Community celebrates the debut of the district’s approximately $5 million athletic facility with ribbon-cutting ceremony and kickoff under the lights.
MADISON, Neb. – Madison Public Schools celebrated its first home football game of the season at its new athletic complex on Friday, September 11, marking the culmination of a transformative facility investment for the district and community. The project was designed to modernize Madison’s athletic infrastructure and provide a high-quality venue for student-athletes, students, and community members for years to come. A ribbon-cutting ceremony commemorating the completion of the project was held at halftime, giving residents an opportunity to celebrate the facility’s official debut.
“Complete athletic complex transformations are some of our team’s favorite projects to be a part of,” said Jeff Emanuel, President of Nemaha Sports Construction. “From the beginning, the Madison community embraced this project and supported the vision behind it. Seeing athletes, students, alumni, and residents come together for that first home game was a special moment and a fitting celebration of what this facility represents for the future of Madison Public Schools.”
Nemaha Sports Construction began work on the new athletic complex in spring 2026 as part of Madison Public Schools’ efforts to address long-term facility needs and invest in modern athletic amenities. The completed facility features a synthetic turf football field, post-tensioned concrete running track, grandstands, sports lighting, scoreboard, and supporting site improvements.
“In addition to the synthetic turf field, one of the most unique aspects of this project is the post-tensioned concrete running track,” said longtime Nemaha Sports Construction Superintendent Boyd Crane. “Throughout the planning process, the district emphasized the importance of constructing a facility that would stand the test of time. The post-tensioned track system was the clear choice because of its durability, longevity, and ability to reduce long-term maintenance needs. The foundation of this track was built to serve Madison athletes for generations.”
The new complex replaces aging athletic infrastructure and creates expanded opportunities for athletic competition, community events, and student activities. The facility is expected to serve not only current students but future generations of Madison athletes and residents.
Madison’s next home football game is scheduled for September 17 at 7:00 p.m. as the Dragons host Cedar Bluffs.
About Nemaha Sports Construction
Nemaha Sports Construction is a Midwest-based athletic facilities contractor headquartered in Lincoln, Nebraska. For more than 34 years, the company has specialized in the design and construction of athletic facilities, including synthetic turf and natural grass fields, running tracks, tennis courts, sports complexes, and related athletic infrastructure.
