There 's Something New in Kearney, Nebraska, and You Should Start With the Fries.

If you haven't been out to Drop Zone yet, here's your sign. Kearney's newest entertainment spot has 32 Toptracer driving range bays, four pickleball courts, an 18-hole putting course, and a full food and beverage operation. It's quickly become a place where friends, families, and coworkers get together, whether or not anyone in the group can hit a golf ball.

We talked with Assistant General Manager Jacob Dowd about what makes Drop Zone worth the trip, and his favorite thing on the menu.

Not your typical golf spot

"Drop Zone is meant to feel energetic, social, and welcoming," Jacob said. "It's not like a traditional golf course where you have to be a serious golfer to fit in."

On a Friday night, you'll see groups hitting balls in the bays, friends competing on the putting course, and people playing pickleball, with the games on TV all around. Jacob calls the atmosphere "casual but elevated." You can wear golf clothes, jeans, a tank top, or whatever you're comfortable in.

"You can be competitive or completely suck at golf and still have a blast!" he said.

Don't underestimate the food

Drop Zone isn't just somewhere to play. It's also a great place to eat. "Some of my favorite meals come from this kitchen!" Jacob said.

His go-to order is the Kitchen Fries. His advice: "Don't forget to ask for ranch!"

A birthday to remember

Jacob's favorite customer moment started when a family came in to celebrate their son's 8th birthday. After wishing him a happy birthday, Jacob offered him a ride in the ball picker out on the range.

"He seemed so thrilled and excited that it made his day!" Jacob said. From the sound of it, it made Jacob's day too.

Meet Jacob

Jacob grew up in Lincoln and came to Kearney to attend UNK, where he competed as a high jumper. He later coached high jump at Kearney High while working on his master's degree.

He loves his job, and he says the team is the biggest reason. "Each day is so enjoyable to come in and work with everyone! I also love seeing how much fun customers have!"

On his days off he's still on the course, though usually a different one. "When I'm not at work I love to take advantage of the golf courses in Kearney. Meadowlark is a great public course to play!"

A new destination for Kearney and beyond

Drop Zone sits in a prime location near the Sportsplex, the conference center, hotels, and I-80. That makes it easy for locals to reach, and it's a draw for visitors from Grand Island, North Platte, and farther west. Before Drop Zone opened, the closest facility like it was in Omaha. Drop Zone also has conference rooms, so it works for team outings and business events as well as a night out.

Plan your visit

For hours, pricing, and menu details, visit dropzone-ne.com. And when you go, order the Kitchen Fries. With ranch, of course.

Rylie tried the Kitchen Fries with Ranch. Click here to watch the video.