2025 Event Photo Galleries

Nebraska Truck Driving Championships

1 of 26

THURSDAY, JUNE 5 - SATURDAY, JUNE 7

The 2025 Nebraska Truck Driving Championships, held June 6–7 at Fonner Park, featured Nebraska’s top CDL drivers competing across ten truck classes—ranging from straight trucks to twin trailers and mixer rigs—through a multi-round contest that included a written exam, vehicle inspection, interview by Nebraska State Patrol and a challenging six-staged driving course. Mark Cole of Old Dominion Freight Line earned the coveted Grand Champion title; meanwhile, Joe McDonnell (XPO Logistics) and Garrett Campbell (FedEx) tied as Rookie of the Year, and Todd Gimpel (FedEx Freight) secured the Professional Excellence Award for highest written test score. Special honors included Jacob Friederich (Lyman‑Richey) receiving the Bucky Buchholtz Top Driver Award for outstanding driving-course performance, Clinton Rast (ABF Freight) taking the Kurt Everett Vehicle Condition Award for best pre-trip inspection and Thomas Canning (Old Dominion Freight Line) earning the Jerry Wessel Award for professionalism and longevity. Winners from each class also qualified to advance to the national competition in Minneapolis in August.

88th Nebraska Fire School

1 of 17

FRIDAY, MAY 16 - SUNDAY, MAY 18

The 88th Annual Nebraska Fire School, organized by the Nebraska State Volunteer Firefighter’s Association (NSVFA) in partnership with the State Fire Marshal’s Training Division, took place from May 16-18. Hosted at the Heartland Events Center and Fonner Park Campus, as well as various sites throughout the city, the event offered 33 comprehensive classes covering all phases of firemanship, fire investigation, rescue, fire safety, leadership, officer training, fire prevention and emergency medical services . The Fire School has been a cornerstone of firefighter education since its inception in 1937, providing essential training and fostering camaraderie among Nebraska’s firefighting community. With approximately 85% of Nebraska’s firefighters serving as volunteers, the Fire School plays a vital role in equipping them with the skills necessary to protect their communities. Vendor exhibits also showcased the latest in firefighting equipment and technology. Attendees explored a wide array of products and services designed to enhance firefighting capabilities and safety.

Grand Island Senior High Graduation

1 of 17

SUNDAY, MAY 11

Grand Island Senior High (GISH) held its graduation ceremony at the Heartland Events Center, celebrating the accomplishments of the Class of 2025. The event was marked by a notable speech from graduate Kenny Morales, who used his platform to candidly address concerns about the school's culture, highlighting issues such as frequent altercations and a perceived lack of transparency in addressing underlying problems. Morales's remarks sparked a mix of reactions from the audience, drawing attention to the importance of open dialogue within the school community. The ceremony also recognized students for their academic achievements, with honors distinctions such as Summa Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, and Cum Laude, reflecting the diverse talents and dedication of the graduating class. Family, friends, faculty, and staff gathered to support and congratulate the graduates as they embarked on the next chapter of their lives.

**All Photos Courtesy of Grand Island Public Schools

CCC Graduation

1 of 35

FRIDAY, MAY 9

Central Community College celebrated its 2025 graduation ceremony at the Heartland Events Center, honoring the achievements of its graduates in a memorable event. The ceremony featured inspiring speeches, the conferral of degrees, and recognition of student accomplishments, marking a significant milestone for the CCC community. Family, friends, faculty, and staff gathered to support and congratulate the graduates as they embarked on the next chapter of their lives.

Golden Gloves Midwest Regional Tournament

1 of 23

FRIDAY, APRIL 4 - SATURDAY, APRIL 5

The 2025 Golden Gloves Midwest Regional Tournament showcased the region's top amateur boxing talent. Hosted by Double R Boxing, the event featured two nights of intense competition, with district bouts on Friday and regional finals on Saturday. Notable fighters included three-time Midwest Golden Glove champion Jason Lua, two-time National Golden Glove winner Beltrand Fofung, and four-time National Golden Glove champion Jose Carlito Mejia. The tournament provided a platform for emerging boxers to demonstrate their skills and vie for regional titles, contributing to the rich boxing tradition in the Midwest.

Harlem Globetrotters World Tour

1 of 26

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19

The Harlem Globetrotters brought their signature blend of basketball wizardry and family-friendly entertainment to the Heartland Events Center once again. Fans were treated to high-flying dunks, dazzling trick shots, and interactive moments that kept the crowd engaged throughout the evening. The Globetrotters' charismatic players showcased their skills and humor, ensuring a memorable experience for attendees of all ages. For those unable to attend due to weather conditions, the Harlem Globetrotters honored tickets for future games in 2025 or the upcoming 2026 World Tour, ensuring that fans didn't miss out on the excitement.

Rodeo Grand Island

1 of 35

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28 - SATURDAY, MARCH 1

The 2025 Rodeo Grand Island took center stage at the Heartland Events Center and delivered two nights of high-octane PRCA rodeo action. Presented by the award-winning Sutton Rodeo team, the event featured over 400 PRCA contestants, including world champions, Wrangler National Finals qualifiers, and circuit champions. Competitors showcased their skills in all seven rodeo events: bareback riding, tie-down roping, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, team roping, barrel racing and bull riding. The rodeo also offered family-friendly entertainment, specialty acts, and appearances by rodeo queens, creating a festive atmosphere for attendees of all ages. Rodeo Grand Island provided an exciting experience for rodeo enthusiasts in the heart of Nebraska.

Nebraska Cheer & Dance Championships

1 of 22

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20 - SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22

The 2025 Nebraska State Cheer & Dance Championships lit up the Heartland Events Center from February 20-22, bringing together top high school and middle school teams from across the state. Hosted by the Nebraska Coaches Association, the event featured spirited competitions in various categories, including cheerleading, pom, jazz, hip-hop and high kick. Teams showcased their athleticism and creativity in front of enthusiastic crowds, with each session culminating in an awards ceremony recognizing the top performers. The championships not only highlighted the talent and dedication of Nebraska's student-athletes but also fostered a sense of community and school pride.

Heartland Hoops Classic

1 of 39

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15

The 2025 Heartland Hoops Classic showcased a dynamic lineup of high school basketball match-ups, featuring both Nebraska teams and out-of-state opponents. The event provided fans with a unique opportunity to witness interclass games not typically seen during the regular season. Notable games included Sidney's narrow 48–47 victory over Grand Island Central Catholic, Ashland-Greenwood's commanding 53–32 win against Adams Central and Lincoln Lutheran's close 42–38 triumph over Doniphan-Trumbull.

The day also featured impressive performances from out-of-state teams, with Mt. Zion Prep from Maryland defeating Sunrise Christian Academy from Kansas 62–57, and Wasatch Academy from Utah securing a 67–48 win over Millard North. The Heartland Hoops Classic continues to be a premier event, bringing together top-tier basketball talent and providing fans with exciting and competitive games.