HEC Announces Naming Rights Partnership with Big Iron Auctions and Realty
Grand Island, Neb. March 11, 2026 — The Heartland Events Center is proud to announce a naming rights partnership with BigIron Auctions and Realty, marking an important new chapter that reflects the facility’s continued growth and success as a regional destination for events.
While final details of the agreement are still being completed, the partnership reflects the continued momentum of the Heartland Events Center as a leading destination for concerts, sporting events, rodeos, trade shows, and community gatherings that draw visitors from across Nebraska and the surrounding region. The agreement represents a $2.1 million investment over the next 15 years and reflects a shared commitment to strengthening the region’s event infrastructure and supporting the continued success of the facility.
The venue continues to play a key role in Grand Island’s position as a central hub for major events while also generating tourism, economic activity and community engagement. The new collaboration with BigIron Auctions and Realty highlights a shared commitment to investing in the region and creating new opportunities for growth.
Mark Stock, Co-Founder of BigIron Auctions and Realty, said the partnership reflects the company’s commitment to investing in communities that are closely tied to agriculture and industry.
"We are incredibly proud to bring the BigIron Event Center to Grand Island," Stock said. "This community sits at the heart of Central Nebraska and is already home to the Nebraska State Fair, so it's a perfect place for us to invest in a facility that supports agriculture, industry and the people who make this state so strong. We're excited about the opportunities it will create for events, businesses and families across Nebraska."
Heartland Events Center Executive Director Kyler Tarwater said the partnership demonstrates the value of strong private-sector collaboration in supporting a publicly owned venue.
"Community partners like Mark Stock and BigIron are critical to the success of the events center," Tarwater said. "Partnerships like these directly offset taxpayer dollars and reduce the overall level of public support needed to keep the facility operational."
The Heartland Events Center has built strong momentum in recent years, hosting nationally touring entertainment, large-scale sporting competitions, and major regional events. Most recently, the venue welcomed a sellout crowd of more than 5,000 fans for a LOVB Nebraska volleyball match, underscoring its ability to bring people together and deliver high-impact events for the region.
VenuWorks assumed management of the Heartland Events Center in January 2025. Now in its 30th year, VenuWorks brings extensive experience in venue management, with a focus on strengthening communities, growing regional economies, and supporting the long-term success of public facilities. In its first year managing the Heartland Events Center, VenuWorks has built a strong event calendar and contributed to the venue’s continued growth and momentum.
Additional details about the naming rights agreement will be announced in the coming weeks.