---
title: 1868 • Master Plan
---

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Fonner Park Master Planning Process

## Critical Infrastructure Improvements

Nebraska State Fair 1868 Foundation

## Executive Summary.

The master plan’s process was thorough and collaborative, providing a holistic investigation and vision for the campus. Site and existing inventory analysis, combined with a diverse neighborhood and public engagement plan, laid the foundation for a data driven exploration of enhancements to ensure sustainable development of the site.

[View Master Plan Process](https://1868foundation.org/master-plan-presentation?hsLang=en)

- ![Executive Summary](https://1868foundation.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Header%20Images/Untitled-1.png?width=1334&height=1334&name=Untitled-1.png)
  
   The master plan’s process was thorough and collaborative, providing a holistic investigation and vision for the campus. Site and existing inventory analysis, combined with a diverse neighborhood and public engagement plan, laid the foundation for a data driven exploration of enhancements to ensure sustainable development of the site.
- ![Embrace Fonner Park Brand Strength](https://1868foundation.org/hs-fs/hubfs/horizontal_1.jpg?width=1900&height=1400&name=horizontal_1.jpg)
  
  **Embrace Fonner Park Brand Strength**
  
  Leverage and build on core strengths of Fonner Park ‘brand’ - racing, livestock, equestrian, hospitality, exhibition.
- ![Attract New Events and Activities](https://1868foundation.org/hubfs/KXI234OYCVDTFHAE5O6JWXDUOM.avif)
  
  **Attract New Events and Activities**
  
  Grand Island Casino Resort assets have the potential to increase destination appeal and drive incremental growth with existing and new events.
- ![Enhance Guest Experience](https://1868foundation.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Header%20Images/60_crop.jpg?width=1068&height=1600&name=60_crop.jpg)
  
  **Enhance Guest Experience**
  
  Market share and performance would be expected to decline without investment.
- ![Livestock Market Demand Opportunities](https://1868foundation.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Header%20Images/IMG_1142.jpg?width=6240&height=4160&name=IMG_1142.jpg)
  
  **Livestock Market Demand Opportunities**
  
  Near-term demand exists to support investment in livestock facility expansion.
- ![Equestrian Market Demand Opportunities](https://1868foundation.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Fonner_Park%2c_Grand_Island.jpg?width=3184&height=1724&name=Fonner_Park%2c_Grand_Island.jpg)
  
  **Equestrian Market Demand Opportunities**
  
  Mid-term demand anticipated to support equestrian event facility investment, based on increased appeal of the Grand Island and Fonner Park destination.

Our Plan

### Development Scenarios

##### Multipurpose GILCA Expansion

20% increase in facility capacity. Second arena to accommodate both equestrian and livestock shows. Expanded stalling, penning, and storage are needed to accommodate the growth of existing national shows, and the potential to attract new ones.

![1868_podium](https://1868foundation.org/hs-fs/hubfs/1868_podium.png?width=65&height=65&name=1868_podium.png)

##### Conference and Event Space Program

– Connecting Casino to other Fonner Park Assets  
 – Diversity existing seating options  
 –Enhanced foot & beverage options and point of sale  
 – New club lounge with upgraded food service and premium access

![1868_event](https://1868foundation.org/hs-fs/hubfs/1868_event.png?width=65&height=65&name=1868_event.png)

##### Arena/Entertainment Event Space Enhancements

Create diversity of seating options. Enhance food and beverage options and points of sale. New club lounge with upgraded food service and premium access.

![CHAMBER](https://1868foundation.org/hubfs/CHAMBER.png "CHAMBER")

![HALL](https://1868foundation.org/hs-fs/hubfs/HALL.png?width=150&height=145&name=HALL.png "HALL")

![Hall-County-Fair](https://1868foundation.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Hall-County-Fair.png?width=150&height=101&name=Hall-County-Fair.png "Hall-County-Fair")

![GrowGrandIsland-Logo-TallyWeb-01-e1576768167532-600x305](https://1868foundation.org/hs-fs/hubfs/GrowGrandIsland-Logo-TallyWeb-01-e1576768167532-600x305.png?width=150&height=76&name=GrowGrandIsland-Logo-TallyWeb-01-e1576768167532-600x305.png "GrowGrandIsland-Logo-TallyWeb-01-e1576768167532-600x305")

![FONNER](https://1868foundation.org/hs-fs/hubfs/FONNER.png?width=172&height=71&name=FONNER.png "FONNER")

![CITY](https://1868foundation.org/hs-fs/hubfs/CITY.png?width=240&height=39&name=CITY.png "CITY")

![CHAMBER-1](https://1868foundation.org/hs-fs/hubfs/CHAMBER-1.png?width=168&height=62&name=CHAMBER-1.png "CHAMBER-1")

![state-fair-logo-white-1](https://1868foundation.org/hs-fs/hubfs/state-fair-logo-white-1.png?width=150&height=139&name=state-fair-logo-white-1.png "state-fair-logo-white-1")

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##### Company

We're Raising Funds For the Future of Your Nebraska State Fair. The Nebraska State Fair 1868 Foundation is a charitable 501(c)3 organization.

###### *[lkoepke@statefair.org](mailto:lkoepke@statefair.org)*

###### *402-432-1393*

##### Our Office

P.O. Box 80698  
Lincoln, NE 68501

###### *Grand Island, Nebraska. Home Of Your Nebraska State Fair*

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