Jason Ball, President and CEO – Lincoln Chamber of Commerce
Lincoln’s tourism industry continues to reach impressive new heights, thanks to the incredible work of Visit Lincoln, the tourism division of the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce. With a strong dedication to showcasing what the city has to offer, Visit Lincoln has attracted world-class events and visitors from across the globe, delivering a powerful boost to our local economy and putting Lincoln on the map in remarkable ways.
One of the biggest highlights of the year so far was the 2025 Science Olympiad National Tournament, hosted earlier this spring. This prestigious event brought together 2,500 of the brightest middle and high school students, along with another 2,500 coaches, family members and support staff, from across the United States and as far as Japan. Participants competed in a wide range of math, science and technology challenges that represent the very best in STEM education. This tournament also offered an incredible opportunity to highlight the University of Nebraska–Lincoln campus, offering visiting students and families a firsthand look at life in Lincoln.
This August, Lincoln will welcome back the 2025 Gravel Worlds Championships, an internationally recognized gravel cycling event scheduled for August 20–24. This unique race draws well over 2,000 elite and amateur athletes from around the world. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and challenging courses throughout the scenic gravel roads of Lincoln, Lancaster County and the surrounding area, the event has become a favorite among cyclists and spectators alike. Beyond the competition, Gravel Worlds gives visitors a reason to explore Lincoln’s incredible attractions, unique restaurants and local shops, further contributing to the economic vitality of our community.
Lincoln’s continued investment in tourism-specific infrastructure plays a vital role in Lancaster County’s growth, reinforcing our position as a dynamic and competitive destination. A prime example is the newly opened Sandhills Global Youth Complex: Nebraska’s first all-turf baseball and softball facility. Already making an impact, the complex is expected to host more than 2,500 games, 300 practices and welcome over 90,000 visitors by the end of summer.
Looking ahead, momentum continues with the planned downtown Lincoln convention center, an exciting project that took a major step forward this spring with the announcement of its future site. Once complete, the proposed project will significantly expand Lincoln’s capacity to host large-scale conferences, expos and events. As our skyline evolves and our calendar fills with unforgettable events, one thing is clear: Lincoln’s tourism industry is thriving. And at the heart of it all is Visit Lincoln—passionately telling our story, attracting new visitors and driving progress for the entire community.
To learn more about the work of Visit Lincoln, I encourage you to visit (lincoln.org).