Don’t be surprised if your corrected next time you refer to the “Lancaster Events Center.”
Friday morning, The Lancaster Event Center held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the official commencement of the $7.125 million 15-year naming rights agreement, which takes effect December 1, 2023. The center will rebrand itself as the “Sandhills Global Event Center,” as well as rebrand its eight largest event spaces.
The new “Sandhills Global Event Center” sign. (Steve Hardesty, KLIN News)
The ceremony also marked the kickoff of a groundbreaking $10 Million Fairgrounds Infrastructure Modernization Project, supported by a $5 million grant from The Nebraska Department of Economic Development and complemented by $5 million in matching funds.
The first event under the Sandhills Global Event Center name is the Nebraska Ag Expo, the second largest indoor farm show in the nation, utilizing all 9.2 acres of indoor space at the center.
The venue-specific name changes that underpin this exciting transformation:
- Pavilion 1 –> Currency Pavilion
- Pavilion 2 –> EquineMarket Pavilion
- Pavilion 3 –> LivestockMarket Pavilion
- Pavilion 4 –> TractorHouse Pavilion with Amy Countryman Arena
- Multi-Purpose Arena (MPA) –> FR8Star Pavilion
- Grandstand Arena –> AuctionTime Grandstand Arena
- Campgrounds –> RVUniverse Campgrounds
- Lincoln Room –> Ag Society Hall
Governor Jim Pillen at the ribbon cutting ceremony. (Steve Hardesty, KLIN News)
In addition to these changes, the Sandhills Global Event Center is embarking on a $10 million infrastructure modernization project to be completed by 2026. This upgrade will encompass improvements such as lighting, digital signage, flooring, kitchen capacity, restrooms, horse stalls, drainage, and parking lots, ensuring a future of positive event experiences.
Amy Dickerson, Managing Director shared, “As the Sandhills Global Event Center embraces this exciting chapter, it extends gratitude to Sandhills Global Inc., the Department of Economic Development, and the community for their steadfast support. The Event Center is committed to continuing its impact serving as a unique hub of ag events from education to tourism and business while serving as the county’s largest community center for a wide range of planned and emergency uses. “
For more information, visit SandhillsGlobalEventCenter.org