SIDNEY, Neb. - The Cheyenne County Visitors Committee voted 4-0 Wednesday evening, Oct. 14, to recommend $2,500 in Sporting Event Grant funding for the Cheyenne County Community Center's 27th Annual Youth Basketball Classic, scheduled for Feb. 26-28, 2027, in Sidney.
The funding, subject to Cheyenne County Board of Commissioners approval, will support tournament team awards, as The Center works to expand the event's regional reach.
The 2026 tournament attracted 41 teams, including 31 from outside Sidney. Approximately 1,300 visits to The Center from 664 visitors during tournament weekend, excluding additional gym locations.
Organizers are targeting 50 teams in 2027, with at least 75% traveling from outside Sidney. The Center estimates the expanded tournament could generate approximately 100 hotel room nights, benefiting local lodging, restaurants and businesses.
"We're grateful to Cheyenne County Tourism for recognizing the value of investing in events that bring people into our community," Executive Director Hunter Arterburn said. "We're looking forward to another great weekend of the Youth Basketball Classic and showcasing Sidney and Cheyenne County."
The tournament will feature third- through eighth-grade teams, with regional recruitment targeting Nebraska, Colorado, Wyoming and surrounding states.
Teams can register now by emailing Sports Director Kendyl Wintholz at kendyl@ccccsidney.com or call (308) 254-7000.
The Center's regular season youth basketball league tips off Nov. 7 and runs through Dec. 19 at The Center and West Elementary. Registration for the league closes Friday at ccccsidney.com.
