Central Nebraska's Premier Event Destination

Situated on the bustling Fonner Park campus, the Heartland Events Center stands as Central Nebraska's foremost venue for a wide array of events, from conventions and professional meetings to exhilarating concerts and athletic competitions. Since its grand opening in 2006, this expansive 180,000-square-foot facility has been expertly designed to accommodate both large-scale and intimate gatherings with unmatched versatility and style. The Heartland Events Center serves as an anchor facility for the expanding complex, which includes a water park and soccer fields, ensuring year-round recreational facilities for the community.

At the heart of the center, the Eihusen Arena boasts an impressive 30,000 square feet of floor space, offering permanent seating for 6,000 guests, with an additional 1,500 seats available on the arena floor. This arena is a preferred destination for numerous sporting events, including volleyball, basketball, and wrestling tournaments, as well as the celebrated Nebraska Cheer & Dance competition. The state-of-the-art Daktronics scoreboard and digital video boards ensure every event is presented with the highest quality visuals and sound, enhancing the experience for all attendees. With twelve luxurious leased suites overlooking the Eihusen Arena and four well-equipped concession stands, the Heartland Events Center offers a comprehensive range of amenities that cater to the needs of every guest.

The mission of the Heartland Events Center is to enhance the quality of life in out-state Nebraska by serving as an educational center for agricultural, business, and trade shows, and acting as a focal point for area events. The venue's strategic location within the Fonner Park Campus offers easy access to numerous adjoining facilities and attractions, making it a central hub for the Nebraska State Fair, Monster Trucks, Rodeo/Bull Riding, and the National 4-H Shooting Competition.

This outstanding facility not only sets the standard for event hosting in Central Nebraska but also delivers a premier, seamless experience for all who enter its doors.

Photo of Eihusen Arena stage
Photo of Heartland Hoops basketball Tournament at the Heartland Events Arena
Photo of a packed Einhusen arena watches Rodeo.
Photo of  Concessions Stand at Heartland Events Center with team members serving guests
Photo of the Grand Island High Schools graduation ceremony at the Eihusen Arena
Metrics
Sq Feet
Capacity
Expo Hall Sq Feet
Parking Spaces

Services

VenuWorks Services

Full-Service Facility Management

Operations

Accounting & Financial Services

Event Booking & Sales

Event Management and Operation

Food & Beverage Operations

Venue Branding & Marketing

Human Resources

Environmental Stewardship

Emergency Planning & Security

Community Engagement

Community Engagement

Toys for Tots

Taste of Grand Island

Skills USA

Tri City Con

NE Volunteer Fire Show

Project Hunger

Events Hosted

Nebraska State Fair

Rodeo Grand Island

Monster Trucks

National 4-H Shooting

Manneheim Steamroller

Central NE Home and Builders Show

NE Cheer and Dance

USA Wrestling

AKC Dog Show

Jr National Simmental Association Show

Aksarben Livestock Show

Flatwater Fracas Wrestling

Photo of Kyler Tarwater
Executive Director

Kyler Tarwater

Kyler Tarwater is the newly appointed Executive Director of the Heartland Events Center, renowned for his exceptional expertise in securing naming rights and establishing impactful sponsorship agreements that strengthen community connections. As the former Partnerships Director at The Oakview Group (OVG), Kyler demonstrated his acumen by increasing sponsorship revenues by over 500%, earning the prestigious Rookie of the Year award for his outstanding contributions.

In his role at Tarwater Sponsorship Marketing, LLC, Kyler excelled in managing prominent partnerships and spearheading facility-related promotions that enhanced the visibility and effectiveness of event spaces. His strategic vision and negotiation skills have consistently resulted in mutually beneficial agreements that bolster community engagement and venue prominence.

Kyler's entrepreneurial spirit was evident when he founded AQUABI Toy Company, where he successfully integrated innovative product lines into major retail markets. His leadership trajectory includes significant roles at Manley Toy Company and Birch Telecom, where he honed his ability to lead teams and drive regional operations.

Holding a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Kansas State University, Kyler is dedicated to advancing facility innovation and fostering a vibrant, community-focused environment at the Heartland Events Center. His leadership promises to usher in a new era of growth and collaboration, ensuring the center remains a premier destination for events and partnerships.

Photo of Kyler Tarwater

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