Owensboro lands Malibu Jack’s by leveraging leadership, incentives, and tourism momentum.

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Owensboro Is on the Move: Leadership, Incentives, and the Malibu Jack’s Moment

By Mark Calitri

Owensboro doesn’t wait around for momentum. We create it.

This week, Andy Beshear announced more than $118 million in new tourism investment across Kentucky. One project stood out locally — Malibu Jack’s — an $18.3 million indoor entertainment complex bringing 125 jobs to Owensboro.

That didn’t happen by accident.

Strong communities compete. Strong leaders position their city to win. Owensboro understood the assignment. We leaned in, worked the process, and leveraged state incentives the way they were designed — as tools to accelerate growth, not handouts.

Tourism incentives reward readiness. Malibu Jack’s chose Owensboro because the market made sense, the leadership showed up, and the community proved it could support something big. Indoor entertainment projects don’t land in cities standing still.

This is what forward motion looks like.

Owensboro is building an ecosystem — sports, entertainment, dining, riverfront energy — that attracts families, visitors, and investors. Malibu Jack’s strengthens that mix and sends a clear signal: this city is open for business and serious about growth.

Leadership matters. Preparation matters. Momentum follows both.

Owensboro is on the move — and this is exactly how it happens.

— Mark Calitri

According to the official announcement from Governor Andy Beshear, Malibu Jack’s was among five tourism projects approved in 2025, representing $118 million in statewide investment.

https://governor.ky.gov/Newsroom/Pages/Gov-Beshear-Announced-5-New-Tourism-Development-Projects,-$118-Million-Invested-in-2025.aspx


This project fits into Visit Owensboro’s ongoing tourism development efforts focused on attracting high-impact entertainment, sports, and visitor experiences.https://visitowensboro.com/


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