Grand Island Expects More Concerts, Amenities With New Heartland Events Center Management.

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. — More concerts could be coming to central Nebraska as the City of Grand Island selects new management for the Heartland Events Center. From football and sporting events to the State Fair, the Heartland Events Center has hosted a wide variety of events. The city has paid $500,000 a year and now takes ownership, with plans to transition management from Fonner Park to Iowa-based VenuWorks. “I feel like we got a great partner. VenuWorks, this is what they do, manage government owned venues of the size of the Heartland Events Center this is their sweet spot,” City Administrator Laura McAloon said.

VenuWorks operates arenas across in places like Dodge City, Kansas. Grand Island received two proposals -- one from Elite Casinos, the other from VenuWorks. The city administrator checked references and liked what she heard. “I've never had people tell me the vendor gets a five across the board. VenuWorks got 5 from all their references. I was really pleased with that,” McAloon said.

The five-year contract calls for a $6,000 monthly payment. VenuWorks would also receive commissions on ticket sales and concessions, based on performance metrics. The company pledges to upgrade the fan experience.

“Their proposal calls for them to spend $300,000 up front improving concessions, money they’re investing out of their own pocket, we don't have to pay back,” McAloon said.

McAloon says VenuWorks can building on existing relationships. She said, “In today’s economy they need to leverage connections, routes entertainment acts follow so they can get discounts, booking deals that the city couldn't get running it on our own.”

City councilmembers have told us they'd like to see more events. VenuWorks points to a long list it’s done elsewhere, from comedy acts to sport teams, trade shows and conventions and Grand Island leaders hope to see the same. “I want to be sure that building is being maximized, resident are seeing type and level of shows they want and we have the number one entertainment venue in central Nebraska,” McAloon said.

Story Source: https://nebraska.tv/amp/news/local/grand-island-expects-more-concerts-amenities-with-new-heartland-events-center-management