Fonner Park Race Track
Fonner Park Race Track is a 220-acre thoroughbred racing and event venue in Grand Island, Nebraska, owned by a 503-member nonprofit association, hosting a 73rd-season live race meet, year-round simulcast wagering, weddings, conferences, and the new $185 million Grand Island Casino Resort.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1954
- HeadquartersGrand Island, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Fonner Park Race Track does
Fonner Park Race Track is a 220-acre horse racing and event-venue campus located at 700 E Stolley Park Road in Grand Island, Nebraska, owned and operated by the Hall County Livestock Improvement Association — a non-dividend-paying membership organization with 503 lifetime members ($50 fee) governed by a 36-member Board and 6-member Executive Board. Founded in 1953 when Gus and Emma Fonner sold their farmland to the Association, the venue launched live thoroughbred racing in 1954 (13 days) and is preparing its 73rd season (Feb 14 – May 2, 2026); simulcasting extends wagering availability to 362 days per year. The campus integrates the Fonner Park grandstand and racing operations, the Finish Line Restaurant and Fonner KENO gaming lounge, an RV park and campground (160 pads at $40/night), the 6,000-seat Heartland Events Center, and multiple livestock/exhibition arenas; the April 2025 opening of the $185 million Grand Island Casino Resort (operated by Elite Casino Resorts) added a 162-room hotel, luxury spa, and 24-hour gaming.
The revenue model is a hybrid of parimutuel wagering (win/place/show, exactas, trifectas, pick 3/4/5, daily doubles), event venue rentals (weddings, conferences, tradeshows, corporate hospitality across named spaces like Aurora Cooperative Pavilion, Pinnacle Bank Expo Center, and the Gus Fonner Executive Suite priced $200-$450), race-day corporate sponsorships ($95 banners, $125 halters, $155 blankets), Finish Line Restaurant and catering (Fonner Park Catering plus four approved outside caterers), RV/campground rentals, and ETIX-managed ticket and season-table sales. The go-to-market combines event-driven activation, direct-to-consumer walk-in and phone wagering (MBet cellular platform), and a group sales team handling sponsorships and venue bookings for enterprise and mid-market buyers.
Technology is light and non-proprietary: MBet for in-campus phone wagering, Fonner Live Streaming for race broadcasts and replays, ETIX for ticketing, and an Equibase integration for race results, entries, and past performances. Distribution reaches nationwide through the Fonner simulcast signal, accepted by racetracks and advance-deposit wagering services globally. The customer base spans horse racing enthusiasts and bettors (primary), wedding and social-event hosts (primary), corporate event planners and associations (primary), corporate sponsors (secondary), horsemen and trainers (secondary), and casino and dining patrons (secondary, now expanding under the casino resort partnership).
Fonner Park Race Track firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Fonner Park Race Track
- Legal name
- Hall County Livestock Improvement Association d/b/a Fonner Park
- Website
- https://fonnerpark.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1954
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Fonner Park Race Track is a 220-acre thoroughbred racing and event venue in Grand Island, Nebraska, owned by a 503-member nonprofit association, hosting a 73rd-season live race meet, year-round simulcast wagering, weddings, conferences, and the new $185 million Grand Island Casino Resort.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Fonner Park Race Track industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Horse Racing & Event Entertainment
- NAICS
- Racetracks (711212)
- SIC
- Services-Racing, Including Track Operation (7948)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Equestrian & Rodeo Facilities (MPAKAEAM)
Keywords
Where Fonner Park Race Track is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Grand Island
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Fonner Park Race Track business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Parimutuel Wagering: Core revenue from parimutuel wagering on live thoroughbred horse racing. Handles all-sources betting including win/place/show, exactas, trifectas, pick 3/4/5, and daily doubles. Simulcasting extends wagering to 362 days per year.
- Event Venue Rentals: Revenue from renting venues including Aurora Cooperative Pavilion, Pinnacle Bank Expo Center, Triple Crown Room, Executive Suite, Skyline Pub/Terrace, and Grandstand sections for weddings, conferences, tradeshows, and corporate events.
- Race Sponsorships: Sponsorship revenue from banners ($95), halters ($125), and blankets ($155) featured in winner's circle. Corporate sponsors and name-a-race programs.
- Food & Beverage Operations: Finish Line Restaurant and sports bar generates revenue from dining. Catering services for events. Fonner KENO lottery operations with satellite sites.
- RV & Campground: 160 RV pads at $40 per night during events. Only available during Nebraska State Fair and for event participants.
- Ticket Sales & Reservations: Revenue from daily table reservations (Skyline $32, Clubhouse $36, Turf Club $24-80) and season table packages. General admission is free.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | General Admission & Box Seats |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Skyline Daily Table - 4 people |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Clubhouse Tiered/Upper Level - 4-8 people |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Turf Club - 2-8 people |
| Subscription | Annual | Skyline Season Table - 4 people |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Ace Winners Box - up to 25 people |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Skyline Pub Table - 10 people |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Skyline Terrace Table - 8 people |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Grandstand Section |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Triple Crown Room - 40-50 people |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Gus Fonner Executive Suite - 75 people |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Race Sponsorship - Banner |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Race Sponsorship - Halter |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Race Sponsorship - Blanket |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | RV Park - Full Service Site |
| Quote-based/ custom | Multi-year contract | Wedding Catering |
| Transaction based/ take rate | Pay-as-you-go | Group Discount |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels6 records
Marketing channels7 records
Fonner Park Race Track product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Fonner Park operates a live thoroughbred horse racing meet from February through May at a 220-acre campus in Grand Island, Nebraska. The venue offers year-round simulcast wagering (362 days), event venue rentals for weddings, conferences, and tradeshows, a sports bar and restaurant with KENO gaming, an RV park, and since April 2025 the Grand Island Casino Resort operated by Elite Casino Resorts.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Finish Line Restaurant: Restaurant and sports bar located on the second floor of Fonner Park featuring simulcast racing, KENO gaming, and dining.
- Fonner KENO
- MBet
- Skyline Pub
- Aurora Cooperative Pavilion
- Bosselman Conference Center
- Tom Dinsdale Automotive Cattle Barn
Quantifiable outcome
- 11,000+ record attendance on single racing day (April 2019)
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use Fonner Park Race Track
Customer profileNamed customers16 records
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
Fonner Park Race Track technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature2 records
Fonner Park Race Track partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
18 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Elite Casino ResortscoreElite Casino Resorts, based in Riverside Iowa, was selected to operate the casino at Fonner Park. The company developed the $185 million Grand Island Casino Resort featuring 162-room hotel, luxury spa, and penthouse steakhouse. Grand opening was April 10, 2025.
- Grand Island Livestock Complex Authority (GILCA)coreGILCA was formed by Fonner Park, Nebraska State Fair, Grand Island Chamber of Commerce, and Convention and Visitors Bureau to jointly market and promote year-round use of State Fair livestock buildings at Fonner Park.
- Nebraska State FaircoreNebraska State Fair relocated from Lincoln to Grand Island in 2010. Takes possession of Fonner Park grounds for 60 days annually (setup, 11-day fair, cleanup). Over 500,000 sq ft of exhibition, livestock, and arena facilities built.
- Grand Island Casino Resortcore$185 million resort opened April 10, 2025 next to Fonner Park offering 24-hour gaming, upscale and casual dining, live entertainment, and modern hotel accommodations with pool and spa.
- Heartland Events CentercoreBosselman Conference Center and Heartland Events Center are campus partners at Fonner Park. 6,000-seat arena with 8,000 sq ft conference center. Heartland Events Center management transferred to City of Grand Island in 2024.
- Visit Grand IslandminorTourism marketing partner promoting Fonner Park events and attractions to visitors. Part of campus partner network.
- Aurora CooperativeminorNaming rights partnership renamed the Swine Arena to Aurora Cooperative Pavilion in 2018. Logo featured on Fonner Park site as facility sponsor.
- Pinnacle BankminorNaming rights partnership renamed the Expo Center to Pinnacle Bank Expo Center in 2013. Logo featured as Pinnacle Bank Expo Center on Fonner Park site.
- Five Points BankminorNaming rights partnership renamed the Livestock Arena to Five Points Bank Arena in 2012. Featured as facility sponsor with Super Saturday cash drawings event.
- Tom Dinsdale AutomotiveminorNaming rights partnership renamed the Cattle Barn to Tom Dinsdale Automotive Cattle Barn in 2018.
- Bosselman EnterprisesminorCorporate sponsor featured on Fonner Park site. Bosselman Pump and Pantry/Gus Fonner Stakes named after the company.
- Hall County FaircoreFonner Park is the permanent home of the Hall County Fair since 1953. Gus Fonner was a charter member of Hall County Livestock Improvement Association that organized the fair.
- Fonner Park Catering (Jess Luna)minorPrimary on-site catering partner for Fonner Park Campus events. Catering Director Jess Luna coordinates food service at 700 E Stolley Park Road.
- Hy-Vee CateringminorApproved off-site catering partner for events at Fonner Park. Located at 115 Wilmar Ave, Grand Island, NE 68803.
- Chances 'R' Restaurant & CateringminorApproved off-site catering partner specializing in weddings and events. Casey Erdkamp is Catering Director at 124 West 5th Street, York, NE 68467.
- Whitefoot CateringminorApproved off-site catering partner. Located at PO Box 208, Boelus, NE 68820. Wayne contact via email.
- Country CateringminorApproved off-site catering partner. Diane & Carl Kucera at 78375 WPA Sherman Ave., Litchfield, NE 68852. 855-446-2202.
- VenuWorksminorSelected by City of Grand Island in 2024 as new manager of Heartland Events Center after Fonner Park did not submit proposal to continue management.
Scale indicators15 records
Recent moves12 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Fonner Park Race Track competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Canterbury Park: Minnesota thoroughbred racetrack with year-round simulcasting, event venue rentals, and Card Casino. Comparable in operating a regional thoroughbred meet with simulcast, event hosting, and on-property card gaming as auxiliary revenue.
- Indiana Grand Racing & Casino: Indiana thoroughbred racino with live racing, casino, dining, and event hosting. Comparable business model to Fonner Park's planned racetrack + casino integration (via Elite Casino Resorts) with overlapping revenue streams across wagering, gaming, and F&B.
- Horsemen's Park: Nebraska thoroughbred racetrack in Omaha. Directly comparable as a fellow Nebraska racing facility; the source data lists Fonner Park as the host of overnight races for Horsemen's Park, indicating a sister-track relationship in the same regional racing circuit.
- Retama Park: Texas-based thoroughbred and quarter horse racetrack with simulcast wagering. Comparable as a regional seasonal live-racing operator running both live meets and year-round simulcast with event/venue diversification.
- Arapahoe Park: Colorado's only horse racing track offering live thoroughbred racing plus simulcast wagering. Comparable as a regional, seasonal live-racing track with year-round simulcasting and event venue operations.
- Prairie Meadows Racetrack & Casino: Iowa racino operating live racing, simulcasting, and a casino under one roof. Closely comparable business model to Fonner Park's planned racetrack-plus-casino integration (via Elite Casino Resorts), including event venue and hotel/lodging components.
- Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie: Texas thoroughbred racetrack featuring live racing, simulcasting, and event venue hosting at a multi-use entertainment campus. Comparable scale and mix of racing, events, and year-round simulcast.
- Hoosier Park Racing & Casino: Indiana racino combining live harness racing, simulcasting, and a casino. Comparable integrated model to Fonner Park's racetrack-plus-Elite-Casino-Resorts structure, with multi-revenue-stream entertainment campus economics.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Fonner Park Race Track social profiles
Digital presenceFonner Park Race Track financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Fonner Park Race Track leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles12 records
Fonner Park Race Track subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries8 records
Fonner Park Race Track funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Fonner Park Race Track M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Fonner Park Race Track
What does Fonner Park Race Track do?
Fonner Park operates a live thoroughbred horse racing meet from February through May at a 220-acre campus in Grand Island, Nebraska. The venue offers year-round simulcast wagering (362 days), event venue rentals for weddings, conferences, and tradeshows, a sports bar and restaurant with KENO gaming, an RV park, and since April 2025 the Grand Island Casino Resort operated by Elite Casino Resorts.
Is Fonner Park Race Track a public or private company?
Fonner Park Race Track is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Fonner Park Race Track founded?
Fonner Park Race Track was founded in 1954. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Fonner Park Race Track based?
Fonner Park Race Track is headquartered in Grand Island, United States, in the North America region.
How does Fonner Park Race Track make money?
Six revenue lines are on record. Parimutuel Wagering is the primary driver. The others are event Venue Rentals, race Sponsorships, food & Beverage Operations, RV & Campground and ticket Sales & Reservations.
Who are Fonner Park Race Track's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Canterbury Park, Indiana Grand Racing & Casino, Horsemen's Park, Retama Park, Arapahoe Park, Prairie Meadows Racetrack & Casino, Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie and Hoosier Park Racing & Casino.
Does Fonner Park Race Track have an API?
No public API is recorded for Fonner Park Race Track.
What industry is Fonner Park Race Track in?
Fonner Park Race Track's product category is Horse Racing & Event Entertainment. Its primary akta.pro industry code is MPAKAEAM, Equestrian & Rodeo Facilities. Its NAICS code is 711212 and its SIC code is 7948.