About
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Nebraska's
Springtime Tradition
is for everyone.
Fonner Park, located just off Interstate 80 in Grand Island, in the center of Nebraska, is Central Nebraska’s entertainment destination. A year-round facility, Fonner Park is host to the springtime tradition of live horse racing, and year-round events including national livestock shows, the Hall County Fair, the Nebraska State Fair, wedding receptions, sporting events, concerts and much more.
The heart of Fonner Park is the live thoroughbred race meet which runs from mid-February through early May. During the live meet, many events such as craft shows, family activities, recreational shows, and giveaways along with special races highlight the season.
Community,
it's what we are all about.
Centrally located in Nebraska at the heart of 220 acres, Fonner Park has several facilities that serve as the hub for many of the activities that take place in Grand Island throughout the year.
Conventions, trade shows, concerts, entertainment, sports, and athletic events are all annual events held within the Fonner Park campus and the Heartland Events Center’s Eihusen Arena.
Multiple buildings provide premier facilities for meetings, wedding receptions, and organizational banquets of all types and sizes.
Fonner Park
Board of Directors
& Staff
Fonner Park is proudly ran and supported by individuals that truly have a passion for Fonner Park, the Grand Island community and everything it can offer to our neighbors.
A history
of entertainment.
Fonner Park was originally built in 1953 as a permanent home for the Hall County fairgrounds. The site was purchased by the Hall County Livestock Improvement Association. The park was named after August L. “Gus” Fonner, who donated the land.
The Old Reliable Hereford Show and Sale was held as its first livestock exhibition in September, before beginning its inaugural season of racing on April 29, 1954. In the years that followed, Fonner was expanded to include additional grandstand seating, expanded barn space, an indoor quarter-mile training track, and other amenities.
Grand Island has it all.
Grand Island, Nebraska — Nebraska's Favorite Island — is a vibrant destination in the heart of the Heartland. Whether you're here for a major event, a weekend getaway, or a one-of-a-kind experience, the city delivers. From live music and festivals to family-friendly activities, Grand Island offers something for everyone year-round.
Visitors can explore the 200-acre Stuhr Museum living history campus, witness the world-famous sandhill crane migration along the Platte River each spring, enjoy six acres of water park fun at Island Oasis, and browse boutiques and antique shops in the historic Railside District. Outdoor enthusiasts will find trails, golf courses, and wide-open prairies, while foodies and shoppers will find no shortage of options along Merchandise Mile and beyond.
Home to the Nebraska State Fair and major events at the Heartland Events Center and Fonner Park, Grand Island is a true hub for agriculture, entertainment, and community — where life is simply GRAND.
A Campus FILLED with Possibilities
The Fonner Park campus is filled with endless opportunities for events, shows, programs, etc. Learn more about the vast landscape that makes the Fonner Park campus.
