Grand Island City Council Ratifies Naming Rights Agreement; Heartland Events Center Officially Becomes BigIron Events Center
GRAND ISLAND, NE – June 23, 2026 — Following approval by the Grand Island City Council and execution of the agreement by Mayor Roger Steele, the Heartland Events Center has officially become the BigIron Events Center, marking the beginning of a new chapter for one of Central Nebraska’s leading public assembly venues.
The naming rights partnership between the City of Grand Island, BigIron Auctions and Realty, and venue operator VenuWorks represents a potential investment of approximately $1.54 million over an 11-year term, including renewal options. The agreement reflects a shared commitment to strengthening the facility’s long-term sustainability while enhancing its role as a regional destination that generates tourism, economic activity, and quality-of-life opportunities for residents throughout Central Nebraska.
BigIron, one of the nation’s leading online auction and real estate companies, was founded in Nebraska and has grown into a nationally recognized brand while maintaining a strong commitment to the agricultural communities and businesses that helped shape its success.
"We’re incredibly excited to see the BigIron Events Center become a reality,” BigIron Co-Founder Mark Stock said. “BigIron and the Events Center share the same foundation as both brands are rooted in rural America and built on bringing people together. We’re proud to have the BigIron name connected to a place that will serve as a gathering point for agriculture, business and families across Nebraska.”
The BigIron Events Center serves as a cornerstone of the Grand Island community and hosts a diverse calendar of entertainment, athletics, agriculture, business, and community events that bring residents and visitors together throughout the year. In 2025, the venue demonstrated its value as a regional economic driver, generating an estimated $18,398,658 in economic impact, welcoming 75,925 attendees, and supporting an estimated 35,518 hotel room nights. Recent 2026 highlights include hosting a sold-out LOVB Nebraska volleyball match with more than 5,000 fans, underscoring the facility’s ability to attract high-profile events and bring people together from across the region.
The naming rights agreement creates a new long-term revenue stream for the publicly owned facility while expanding opportunities for marketing, promotion, and regional visibility. The transition to the BigIron Events Center brand will begin immediately, with new signage, branding, and marketing materials being implemented throughout the facility over the coming months.
"This partnership represents a significant investment in the future of this facility and the community it serves," said Kyler Tarwater, Executive Director of the BigIron Events Center. "BigIron is a company with deep roots in Nebraska, and their commitment to Grand Island aligns perfectly with our vision of continuing to grow this venue as a destination for entertainment, sports, agriculture, business events, and community gatherings. We appreciate the confidence shown by BigIron, Mayor Steele, and the City Council, and we look forward to building on the tremendous momentum we've experienced over the past year."
Grand Island Mayor Roger Steele also expressed excitement about the newest chapter of the City’s largest events center.
“This partnership is about more than a name change — it's an investment in Grand Island's future," said Mayor Roger Steele. "The BigIron Events Center is a tremendous asset for our community and our region, and this agreement will help ensure it continues to thrive for years to come.”
Since assuming management of the facility in January 2025, VenuWorks has worked alongside the City of Grand Island, the Nebraska State Fair, community organizations, promoters, and local stakeholders to strengthen programming, enhance the guest experience, and expand the venue’s impact on the region. The naming rights partnership represents another important step forward in ensuring the facility remains a vibrant community asset for generations to come.
About BigIron Events Center
The BigIron Events Center is Central Nebraska’s premier destination for entertainment, sports, agriculture, business events, and community gatherings. Located on the Fonner Park Campus, home of the Nebraska State Fairgrounds, in Grand Island, Nebraska, the facility serves as a major driver of tourism, economic activity, and community engagement throughout the region.
About BigIron Auctions & Realty
BigIron is one of the nation’s leading online auction and real estate companies, connecting buyers and sellers of equipment, land, livestock, and other assets across North America. Founded in Nebraska, the company has built a reputation for integrity, innovation, and service while maintaining strong ties to the agricultural communities it serves. www.BigIron.com
About VenuWorks
Celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2026, VenuWorks is a nationally recognized venue management company serving communities throughout the United States. As the nation’s only 100% employee-owned venue management company, VenuWorks specializes in the management of arenas, convention centers, theaters, amphitheaters, sports complexes, and public assembly facilities, helping communities strengthen local economies, enhance quality of life, and maximize the value of their public assets. For more information go to www.venuworks.com