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.
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
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
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.
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