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HEC In The News

This page is dedicated to continuous coverage of the Heartland Events Center across various media outlets and platforms. From local television outlets to our local newspapers and radio stations, the HEC has been featured early and often since the change in ownership/management on January 1, 2025.

We're thankful for a robust media market in central Nebraska, and we are happy to help facilitate any future media coverage! For all media requests, please contact Communications Manager Spencer Schubert at spencers@grand-island.com or by calling (308) 385-5444, Ext. 1148.

An ice rink in Grand Island? What you should know about the city's Honeywell deal The city of Grand Island is a month into an investment grade energy audit contract with Honeywell that could have far-reaching effects on the city’s key buildings, including Heartland Events Center.

May 27, 2025

The Independent

Central Community College graduation commencement ceremony for 237 graduates Commencement ceremonies were held this morning for Central Community College in Grand Island, as 237 graduates took part in today’s ceremony at the Heartland Events Center.

May 9, 2025

Local4 News

Hairball returning to Grand Island for September show Are you ready to rock?!

The “ultimate 80s’ rock & roll tribute” band Hairball is set to take the stage at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 12, at the Heartland Events Center.

April 9, 2025

The Independent

Nebraska State Fair announces indoor/outdoor concert lineups The concert lineups for the Nebraska State Fair are taking shape - starting with the outdoor schedule.

“The Race Is On”, on Thursday, August 28th, as Sawyer Brown kicks things off with a free show on the Nebraska Lottery Concert Series outdoor stage.

Mar. 20, 2025

Local4 News

Golden Gloves punch up the excitement: Midwest boxers set to spar in Grand Island Double R Boxing Presents the 103rd annual Midwest Regional Golden Gloves Tournament Friday April 4-5, 2025, at the Heartland Events Center in Grand Island Nebraska. Each evening kicks off with Golden Gloves amateurs taking the stage.

Mar. 20, 2025

NTV News

Nebraska USA Wrestling hosts tournament at Heartland Events Center Nebraska USA Wrestling closed out their final day of their annual state tournament on Sunday.

Nebraska USA Wrestling is a non-profit organization that promotes amateur wrestling to all Nebraska wrestlers.

March 16, 2025

Local4 News

Rodeo Grand Island returns to the Heartland Events Center Rodeo Grand Island is returning for a seventh year at the Heartland Events Center.

The rodeo is ran by the Sutton Family, who has been running events across the country for nearly a century.

Feb. 28, 2025

Local4 News

High spirit at the cheer and dance championships Teams from all across Nebraska poured into Grand Island for the 2025 Nebraska Cheer & Dance Championships.

Feb. 20, 2025

The Independent

Tickets now on sale for 18th annual Heartland Hoops Classic in Grand Island Tickets are now on sale for the 18th annual Heartland Hoops Classic, set for Feb. 15 at the Heartland Events Center.

This year’s showcase will feature an impressive lineup of talent, featuring seven Nebraska state basketball tournament qualifiers.

Feb. 3, 2025

Local4 News

Heartland Events Center aims to become entertainment hub with new events, food The new year brings new management at the Heartland Events Center where they’re planning more concerts and new food options.

Jan. 7, 2025

NTV News

Heartland Events Center to host job fair for upcoming event calendar From January 7-8, VenuWorks will be hosting its first-ever job fair, featuring part-time opportunities and roles as the 2025 event calendar takes shape. Positions available for the upcoming show season include guest services, ticket takers, ushers & more.

Jan. 2, 2025

Local4 News

Harlem Globetrotters to return to Grand Island this spring on 2025 World Tour The Harlem Globetrotters are making a stop in Grand Island on their 2025 World Tour this spring.

Event goers can see a variety of basketball spins, slams, dunks and trick shots at the Heartland Events Center on March 19 at 7 p.m.

Dec. 17, 2024

Local4 News

Heartland Events Center names new executive director With the Heartland Events Center now fully owned by the city of Grand Island, and under new management, the next step is appointing the leadership.

Kyler Tarwater comes to the HEC from the Topeka Performing Arts Center in Kansas as the new director.

Nov. 19, 2024

NCN

VenuWorks Inc. chosen to manage Heartland Events Center The city of Grand Island’s search for a management company to handle operations at Heartland Events Center concluded on Tuesday.

The Grand Island City Council listened to multiple proposals including Elite Casinos, but chose to go with VenuWorks Inc.

Oct. 8, 2024

Local4 News

Grand Island expects more concerts, amenities with new Heartland Events Center management More concerts could be coming to central Nebraska as the City of Grand Island selects new management for the Heartland Events Center.

Oct. 8, 2024

NTV News