402-239-0519

State-of-the-Art Livestock Show Facilities

On behalf of the Grand Island Livestock Complex Authority, we invite you to host your next event in Grand Island, Nebraska. Since the addition of multiple state-of-the art facilities on the Fonner Park campus, and in association with the Nebraska State Fair, our community has collaborated in providing a top-notch experience for livestock associations, agricultural shows and other shows that have chosen Grand Island to host their event.

State-of-the-Art Livestock Show Facilities

We are the home of the AKSARBEN 4-H Stock Show and Nebraska State 4-H Horse Show and would love to provide you the same collaborative leadership, experience and education to provide a successful venue for your organization. One reason nothing compares to our campus is the variety of our venues which are within walking distance of one another. Here are five more reasons our visitors love hosting their shows in Grand Island:

  • Free, close parking and plenty of it.
  • Easy access from Interstate I-80
  • A staff that has experience handling every aspect of events large and small.
  • One-stop shopping for a host of event services—catering to security, staging to entertainment, printing to Internet access.
  • Close proximity to hotels, restaurants and other attractions.

Buildings

Fonner Park has been in business since the early 1950’s. Over the years it has grown into the impressive complex of facilities as we know it today. It is often the hub of activity when multiple events are held simultaneously or as a part of multi-facility events. The Nebraska State Fair relocated to Grand Island in 2010, bringing with it a breathtaking array of new structures and facilities. The facilities serve the Nebraska State Fair during August and September each year—and are available for all types of livestock shows, trade shows, sales, auctions, dog shows, craft shows, new product and equipment launches, large banquets, competitions, and dozens of other activities the remainder of the year. The choice is yours — large or small, indoor or outdoor, arenas or exhibit spaces, meeting rooms or auditoriums. We have it all.

FONNER PARK COMPLEX DRONE VIDEO

The campus includes the following facilities. (Click on each for specific details.)

DO NOT DELETE ME
Five Points Bank Arena
The FIVE POINTS BANK ARENA, initially built for the Nebraska State Fair, has become the shining star for hosting National Livestock events during the other ten months of the year.  This premier arena with state-of-the-art audio and video systems is perfect for top-notch shows.  Grand Island’s central location, easy accessibility and mid-western hospitality continue to draw new and repeat groups to this arena and to the attached barns and exhibition facilities each year.

FACILITY INFORMATION AND AMENITIES

FIVE POINTS BANK ARENA
Constructed2010
Square Footage56,800 sq. ft. (312' x 218')
Show Arena (110' x 215') with dirt
SeatingBleacher seating for 2,200
LobbyYes
Additional RoomsVIP Room overlooking Arena with bar
Office40' x 70' central office area with four adjacent private offices
Concession Stands1
FloorConcrete with dirt arena
StallsRock Bottom Tie Stalls for 1,350 head of cattle in attached Cattle Barn
Wash Racks2 Units / 70 head each in attached Cattle Barn
Load In / Load OutOverhead Doors / unloading aisle
Restrooms2 sets of male / female
1 - family restroom
1 - set of male/female in office area
1 - set of male/female in VIP Lounge
Handicap AccessibleYes
Climate ControlledHeating and Air
Wi-FiYes
ElectricalWall outlets only
Overhead Doors6
AV Equipment•34' x 12' high definition color video screen
•10,000 watt, fully digital, 4-quadrant sound system
CateringYes
Stage Available
Parking•3,115 parking spaces, hard-surfaced parking
•50 acres of non-surfaced parking

For more information, contact Jana Sittler at 402-239-0519

Five Points Bank Arena Floorplan     Fonner Park Map

Pinnacle Bank Expo Center
The PINNACLE BANK EXPO CENTER, provides 100,000 square feet (224′ x 450′) of exhibition space.  This climate-controlled facility with over 270-20 amp drop-down electrical outlets, concrete flooring and multiple overhead doors is perfect for trade shows, conventions and large banquets. Throughout the year, the Expo Building is host to events like the Home and Builders Show, Tri City Street Rods, AKC Dog Show, Nebraska Muzzleloading Gun Show, Nebraska State Fire School, Aurora Cooperative Annual Meeting and the Nebraska State Fair to name a few.

FACILITY INFORMATION AND AMENITIES

PINNACLE BANK EXPO CENTER
Constructed2010
Square Footage100,000 sq. ft.
•Exhibit Space - clear span 160' x 500'
Lobby23' x 78'
Additional Rooms•Office space
•Quilt Room - 138' x 72'
•Beef Pit - 42' x 72'
•Volunteer Center - 66' x 24'5"
Kitchen•Walk in cooler and Freezer
•No appliances
•Sinks
•Ice Machine
Concession Stands2
FloorConcrete
Restrooms3 sets of male / female
1 - family restroom
Handicap AccessibleYes
Climate ControlledYes
Wi-FiYes
Electrical•Over 270 - 20 amp drop-down electrical outlets
•220 service available in most areas of the exhibit area
Overhead Doors4 - largest door 30' wide x 20' high
AV EquipmentOverhead PA System
ProjectorsNo
ScreensNo
CateringIn house/Chances "R" or Fonner Park Catering and Concessions (dependent on group size)
Tables/Chairs•300 - 8' tables
•19 - 6' tables
•75 - 60" round tables
•500 metal folding chairs
•1000 black folding chairs
Stage24'x24'x2' maximum size - 4'x8' sections

Parking•3,115 parking spaces, hard-surfaced
•50 acres of non-surfaced parking

For more information, contact Jana Sittler at 402-239-0519

Pinnacle Bank Expo Center Floorplan     Sample with Vendor Booths     Example Layout     Fonner Park Map

Tom Dinsdale Automotive Cattle Barn

The TOM DINSDALE AUTOMOTIVE CATTLE BARN, attached to the Five Points Bank Arena, offers Rock Bottom Tie Stalls for up to 1,350 head of cattle. An outdoor tie out area is located adjacent to the back side of this facility. The strategically planned wide drive thru loading/unloading aisle provides for easy and quick load in and load out with cattle trailers. The wash racks in this facility coupled with the ease of moving livestock to and from the show arena without having to expose them to the outdoors is every showman’s vision. Grand Island’s central location, easy accessibility and mid-western hospitality continue to draw new and repeat groups to the arena and the attached barns and exhibition facilities each year.

FACILITY INFORMATION AND AMENITIES

CATTLE BARN
Constructed2010
Square Footage112,200 sq. ft. (285' x 382')
Meeting RoomsNo
Barn Bar3,558 sq. ft.
Milking ParlorTies for 6 head + 3 stalls in show window
Tie Out Area Yes (secured)
Concession StandsNo
FloorConcrete
StallsRock Bottom Tie Stalls for 1,350 head cattle
Wash Racks2 Units / 70 head each
Load In / Load OutDrive-thru loading / unloading aisle
Restrooms3 sets of male / female
2 - family restrooms
Handicap AccessibleYes
Climate ControlledPremier ventilation system with Big Ass Fans
Wi-FiYes
Electrical1200 - 20 amp drop-down electrical outlets
Overhead Doors15
AV EquipmentHigh definition color video screen
CateringYes
Stage Available
Parking•3,115 parking spaces, hard-surfaced parking
•50 acres of non-surfaced parking

For more information, contact Jana Sittler at 402-239-0519

Cattle Barn Floorplan     Fonner Park Map

Sheep Barn
The SHEEP BARN, attached to the Five Points Bank Arena, offers the flexibility of small animal pens, cattle ties and poultry cages.  This facility shares many of the same state-of-the-art amenities as the Cattle Barn including multiple overhead doors, extra wide load/unload aisles, and wash racks. The showman’s ability to conveniently move their animals between the Sheep Barn and the Five Points Bank Arena without outdoor exposure is an added feature of this barn. Grand Island’s central location, easy accessibility and mid-western hospitality continue to draw new and repeat groups to the arena and attached barns and exhibition facilities each year. Excellent facility for stalling and exhibiting livestock of all types.  This Sheep Barn houses Draft Horses, Sheep, Goats, Poultry and Rabbits during the Nebraska State Fair.

FACILITY INFORMATION AND AMENITIES

SHEEP BARN
Constructed2010
Square Footage85,000 sq. ft. (232' x 382')
Offices4
Birthing Pavillion2,019 sq. ft.
Concession Stands/BarsNo
FloorConcrete
Pens1,600+ small animals
Wash Racks2 units / 60 head each
Load In / Load OutDrive-thru loading / unloading aisle
Restrooms3 sets of male / female
1 - family restroom
Handicap AccessibleYes
Climate Controlled•Premier ventilation system with Big Ass Fans
•Heat
Wi-FiYes
Electrical900 - 20 amp drop-down electrical outlets
Overhead Doors15
AV EquipmentHigh definition color video screen
CateringYes
Stage Available
Parking•3,115 parking spaces, hard-surfaced parking
•50 acres of non-surfaced parking

For more information, contact Jana Sittler at 402-239-0519

Sheep Barn Floorplan     Sheep Barn Example Layout     Fonner Park Map

Aurora Cooperative Pavilion- Barn & Arena

The AURORA COOPERATIVE PAVILION BARN AND ARENA, has quickly become one of the most versatile facilities on the Fonner Park Campus.  During the Nebraska State Fair this facility is utilized for Swine and Alpaca/Llama shows. The other ten months of the year this arena has become multi-functional.  Wedding receptions, fundraisers, cattle sales, large implement training, liquidation sales, teen dances, craft shows and an unlimited list of other events continue to be attracted to this space.  This building has become a real gem sitting next to the larger livestock facilities and nicely complements the Jr. National Livestock shows each summer. Grand Island’s central location, easy accessibility and midwestern hospitality continue to draw new and repeat groups to the arena and attached barns and exhibition facilities each year.

FACILITY INFORMATION AND AMENITIES

AURORA COOPERATIVE PAVILION BARN AND ARENA
Constructed2010
Square Footage83,800 sq. ft.
Barn•Up to 750 pens (6' x 6') for 1,500+ animals
•Partial sides / open air barn
Show Arena170' x 73'
Offices2
Concession Stands/Bars2
FloorConcrete
Wash RacksWash pens for 50+ head
Load In / Load Out3 sides of barn
Restrooms2 sets of male / female
1 - family restroom
Handicap AccessibleYes
Climate ControlledYes
Wi-FiYes
ElectricalBarn: 330 - 20 amp drop-down electrical outlets
Arena: 110 on walls and 2-220 outlets on northwest wall
Overhead DoorsArena: 4
AV EquipmentHigh definition color video screen
CateringYes
Stage Available
Parking•3,115 parking spaces, hard-surfaced parking
•50 acres of non-surfaced parking

For more information, contact Jana Sittler at 402-239-0519

Aurora Cooperative Pavilion Floorplan     Aurora Cooperative Pavilion Example Layout     Fonner Park Map

US Foods Outdoor Arena & Thompson Foods Horse Arena (Indoor)

The THOMPSON FOODS INDOOR & US FOODS OUTDOOR ARENA are the finest Equine Center in central Nebraska.  Each year the Fonner Park State 4-H Horse Show is held in Grand Island.  Multiple other repeat horse shows in addition to the Nebraska State Fair equine events keep this facility busy each year. In 2016 the Nebraska State Fair 1868 Foundation kicked off a major fundraising campaign to replace the outdoor equine arena. The new 60,000 square foot US Foods Outdoor Arena is a state-of-the-art equine arena featuring covered grandstand seating for 750 spectators and is fully ADA compliant.  Modern amenities include: Priefert holding pens, bucking and roping chutes, 55′ x 85′ custom livestock shade structure, 12′ x 24′  announcer’s booth with electrical hookups and storage room. Additional amenities include high quality lighting, professional grade sound system and ample parking.  This arena is perfect for rodeo and other equine shows and competitions. Lying adjacent to the Equine Center are horse barns for up to 1200 horses. The Equine Center and horse barns are not available to outside events from January 1 through mid May each year. Grand Island’s central location, easy accessibility and mid-western hospitality continue to draw new and repeat Equine Shows to these arenas.

FACILITY INFORMATION AND AMENITIES

THOMPSON FOODS INDOOR ARENA
Constructed1979
Square Footage39,340 sq. ft. (140' x 281')
Horse StallsPermanent horse barns for 1200 - adjacent to Arena
Show Arena102' x 210'
Seating1200 - Bleachers (permanent-metal)
Offices1
Concession Stands/BarsNo / Concession Trailer available
FloorDirt
Wash RacksNo
Overhead Doors5
Restrooms1 Set of male/female
Handicap AccesibleYes
Climate ControlledNo
Wi-FiYes
Electrical110 on walls
1 - 220 outlet outside the office
AV EquipmentOverhead PA
Catering/ConcessionsYes
StageRental
Parking•3,115 parking spaces, hard-surfaced parking
•50 acres of non-surfaced parking

US FOODS OUTDOOR ARENA
Contructed1979 - Replaced 2016
Square Footage60,000 sq. ft.
Horse StallsPermanent horse barns for 1200 - adjacent to Arena
Show Arena166' x 246'
Seating•750 Bleacher Seats (permanent)
•Metal
•Covered
•ADA Compliant
Other Amenities•Priefert holding pens
•Bucking and roping chutes
•55' x 85" custom livestock shade structure
•12' x 24' announcer's booth with electrical hookups and storage room
•High quality lighting
•Professional grade sound system
OfficesIn the connected indoor arena
Concession Stands/BarsNo / Concession Trailer available
FloorDirt
Wash RacksNo
Overhead DoorsNo
RestroomsShared with Indoor Arena
Handicap AccesibleYes
Climate ControlledNo
Wi-FiYes
ElectricalYes
AV EquipmentSound System
StageRental
Parking•3,115 parking spaces, hard-surfaced parking
•50 acres of non-surfaced parking

For more information, contact Jana Sittler at 402-239-0519

 

Fonner Park Map

Nebraska Building

The Nebraska Building was constructed in 2013 and opened its doors in 2014.  This building is located on the Fonner Park Campus.  The Nebraska State Fair takes possession of the Fonner Park Campus each August and September to set up and host the 11-day Nebraska State Fair before cleaning up and returning the property to Fonner Park.  During these 60 days, the campus operates as the Nebraska State Fairgrounds, whereas the other ten months of the year the property operates as FONNER PARK. The Nebraska State Fair Offices are located on the second level of the Nebraska Building.  Please direct Nebraska State Fair questions to their office:

Nebraska State Fair Administration Office

501 E. Fonner Park Rd. Suite 200

Grand Island, NE 68801

Phone: 308.382.1620

Office Hours: Monday- Friday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM; 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM Website: raisingnebraska.org

Raising Nebraska is an interactive experience spanning every inch of its 25,000 square feet, focusing on where Nebraska agriculture is today – and how the state is positioned for global leadership in feeding the world.  Raising Nebraska is designed to let people see agriculture from virtually every angle – from water conservation to soil health, from animal well being to food safety, from invention to innovation, from economic impact to global hunger. Raising Nebraska is located on the first level of the Nebraska Building. Please direct Raising Nebraska questions to the following: Sarah Polak P.O. Box 2198 Grand Island, NE 68802-2198 Email: spolak2@unl.edu

Grand Island Community Fieldhouse
Since the Fieldhouse opened in 2011, it has become Grand Island’s most popular fall and winter hangout. The Fieldhouse is 70,000 square feet of fun! Inside are batting cages, turf sports fields, basketball courts, volleyball courts, pickleball courts, meeting rooms and a playground for young children. The website www.giparks.com/fieldhouse provides more details and entry forms so you can register online. 

Grand Island’s Community Fieldhouse features three party/meeting rooms for entertainment needs. From meetings, reunions, birthday parties, and everything in between, these rooms offer the space and amenities perfect for hosting an event. Kitchen facilities are available upon request. There are 2 small rooms that accommodate 30 people each and one large room that accommodates 60.  Birthday Packages are available. 

Community Fieldhouse  

525 E. Fonner Park Rd 

Grand Island, NE 68801  

P.O. Box 1968  

Grand Island, NE 68802  

308.384.1999 

https://www.giparks.com/facilities/community-fieldhouse