Hailing from New Orleans, Lisa Spencer brings together math expertise and gambling know-how as Betting.us' editor. With a Master's degree in Applied Mathematics, she excels in game theory. Using statistical models and game theory, she develops and publishes betting strategies for Betting.us. Outside work, Lisa surfs the web for betting insights and does sports.
Fonner Park Sportsbook Review
By Lisa Spencer
Senior Editor at Betting.us
Updated: November 11, 2021
Fonner Park is a Grand Isle venue in Nebraska that provides a variety of gambling and public services. The following text will familiarize you with everything available at Fonner Park sportsbook establishment.
Fonner Park
| Official Name | Fonner Park |
|---|---|
| Type | Racetrack |
| Full address | 700 E Stolley Park Road, Grand Island, Nebraska 68801 |
| Rating: |
Fonner Park Sportsbook
Nebraska is in a transitional phase which will see all forms of sports betting being legalized soon. Currently, Fonner Park provides only live and simulcast horse racing betting in Grand Island. The land-based package looks set to introduce all major betting markets with online sports betting likely to follow in the future. Read the rest of this Fonner Park sportsbook review to learn the details.
In November 2020, the Nebraska government voted to define sports betting as a game of chance, which paved the road for legalization of all forms of sports betting – expected to take effect early 2022. This presently leaves you with wagering on local live races – held February throughout May, and simulcast betting on races from racetracks across the country at this Nebraska sportsbook.
Popular Sports to Bet at Fonner Park
| Triple Crown | Preakness Stakes, Kentucky Derby, Belmont Stakes |
|---|---|
| Breeders’ Cup | Dirt Mile, Juvenile Turf, Turf Spring |
| Santa Anita Handicap | Santa Anita Derby |
| ...and many more | |
What Types of Bets Can I Make at Fonner Park?
Hardly any bet type is missing from the Fonner Park book. Besides the popular Win, Place and Show, exotic wagers like Trifecta, Exacta, Superfecta, Daily Doube, and the Pick series are also on the table. Choosing the right bet depends on the specifics of the racing situation and your initial research.
Fonner Park Sportsbook Details
Even if you are new to horse racing betting, the Fonner Park sportsbook has it all set up for you. You can turn to one of the tellers for advice or take advantage of the Steve’s Picks series, which offers a list of potentially profitable wagers. Placing bets is also simple. You can do it at either the instant or people-served kiosks.
| Open Hours | Monday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM, Sunday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
|---|---|
| Betting Operator | Fonner Park |
| Live Betting | Available |
| Mobile Betting App | Available |
| Simulcast/Off-Track Betting Offered | Yes |
| Betting Limits | $2 - Unspecified |
| Gambling Legal Age | 18+ |
| Seating Places | 5,800 |
| Entrance Fee | General Admissions - $5, Skyline - $20, Clubhouse - $24, Turf Club - $40 |
| Number of Screens/Info Tables | 170 |
Explore Fonner Park
The Fonner Park campus offers far more than a racetrack. It plays host to hundreds of events each year. The Heartland Events and Bossleman centers are available for the general public and business meetups and organized events. Furthermore, you can drop by for the 11-day Nebraska State Fair which is hosted at Fonner Park Grand Island sportsbook in late August and early September.
Fonner Park Racetrack
The Fonner Park racetrack has been operational since 1954. The track is oval and 5/8 of a mile long – i.e. one kilometer. The surface is dirt, while the homestretch is 700 feet long. Besides the main track, there is a smaller training track with a dirt top layer. The general admission fee is $5.
| Length of The Track | 5/8 of a Mile |
|---|---|
| Types of Races | Thoroughbred |
| Types of Bets | Win, Place, Show, Exacta, Trifecta, Pick 3, Pick 4, Pick 5, Daily Double |
| Capacity/Seating Places | 5,800 |
| Race Schedule | Live Races Simulcast |
| Entries and Results | fonnerpark.com |
| Entrance Fee | General Admissions - $5, Skyline - $20, Clubhouse - $24, Turf Club - $40 |
Casino at Fonner Park
In November 2020, Fonner Park was one of the first in the state to jumpstart their land-based casino gambling venture following the first steps of legalization for land-based gambling passing Nebraska senate. Thanks to a partnership with Elite Casino Resorts, a $100-million, 37,000-square-foot project to offer 650 slots, 20 tables games, and a sportsbook is underway – to be completed in 2022.
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650 Slots
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20 Table Games
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0 Poker Tables
How to Get to the Fonner Park?
Fonner Park is located next to Interstate 80 at Grand Island Exit 314. When you get off the highway, proceed driving north on South Locust Street to the complex. Alternatively, you can get there via Highway 30. Jump on Walnut Street in Grand Island and drive south to South Locust Street and then to the venue.
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City Bus Lines
Grand Island is located some 200 miles northwest of Kansas City. It’s a small town, and you won’t have any problems getting to Fonner Park once you arrive at the Grand Island Bus Station. Greyhound buses can take you there from Kansas City or Denver and beyond. Tickets from nearby cities range between $60 and $120.
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Airport Shuttle
Travelling to Grand Island via commercial flights might be problematic, as the nearest international airports are Kansas City International Airport and Des Moines International Airport, 275 miles and 285 miles away, respectively. Domestic airports are available for charters. The closest one is Central Nebraska Regional Airport – four miles away from the venue. Currently, Fonner Park does not provide a free shuttle service to and from any airport.
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Parking
The Fonner Park sportsbook car park is a bit limited at 950 spaces. So, you might need to get there earlier during major annual events like the Nebraska State Fair. There is a parking lot available for RVs at the cost of $30 per night. Admission to the general parking lot is free.
About Fonner Park Hotel
Fonner Park is owned and managed by Hall County Livestock Improvement Association, who purchased the land from one August Fonner. The place saw significant expansions throughout the 50s, including the addition of a grandstand, barn, indoor quarter-mile racing track and other amenities. Live Sunday races started in 1988. Simulcast began in 1988.
The following decades included the following milestones: Turf Club opened in 1989; Keno added in 1993; Conference Centre buildings opened in 2006; and further improvements to luxury racing suits, including the addition of a bar and restaurant. Today, Fonner Park is the go-to place for horse racing betting, fair entertainment, business meetings, weddings and much more in Nebraska, Grand Island and beyond.
Fonner Park Amenities
Upon visiting Fonner Park, you will find out that it offers a splash of conveniences for the duration of your stay. The Horse racing facility has four levels: Grandstand, Clubhouse, Turf Club, and Skyline, with perks going progressively up the ladder. The Skyline dining area is a top spot for public events or simply to enjoy the race from the comfort of your table.
The Clubhouse restaurant is called the Finish Line Restaurant, and it offers delicious daily specials and tasty beverages. Its opening hours stretch beyond the last race and is the go-to place for simulcast betting and keno gaming. Besides the racing facility, Fonner Park makes available several specialized buildings and fair stalls to the public at an affordable rental fee.
| Accommodation | N/A Hotel Rooms |
|---|---|
| Restaurants | The Finish Line Restaurant, |
| Bars | Turf Club Bar, Skyline, |
| Address | 700 E Stolley Park Road, Grand Island, Nebraska 68801 |
|---|---|
| Fonnerpark700@gmail.com | |
| Phone | 308-382-4515 |
| Website | fonnerpark.com |
| Social Networks | Facebook, Twitter Instagram |
FAQ
What sportsbook does Fonner Park use?
Fonner Park is currently a land-based betting platform that provides betting opportunities on locally hosted live races and coast-to-coast simulcasted races. With the imminent legalization of sports betting, Fonner Park’s sportsbook is bound to soon expand with betting markets like NFL, MBL, NBA, Grand Slams, US Open Golf, and much more.
How to get free drinks at Fonner Park sportsbook?
Presently, finding free drinks at Fonner Park is a forlorn mission. But this is bound to change with planned launch of a 27,000-square-foot casino right next to the racetrack in mid-to-late 2022. At present, you can buy alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages at the Finish Line Restaurant in the Clubhouse.
When is Fonner Park sportsbook open?
Doors open one hour before the first live or simulcasted race. Fonner Park sportsbook hours are as follows: Monday – Saturday 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM and Sunday 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM. Restaurants and conference halls may remain open long after the last race of the day.
Are children allowed at the Fonner Park sports betting establishment?
Children are allowed on Fonner Park premises but should be accompanied by a responsible adult over the age of 18. During the Nebraska State Fair, held between August and September, families will find lots of child-friendly activities. For the remainder of the year, they will have to remain content with a simple visit to the restaurant.
What types of bets can you make at the Fonner Park sportsbook?
You will have an array of bets to choose from. Straight bets are extremely popular among Fonner Park sportsbook visitors. Besides them, exotics like Trifecta, Perfecta, Exacta, plus the Daily Double and Pick Series Bets offer bigger rewards but at an increased risk. Remember to read pre-race leaflets and base your bets on facts.
What is the Fonner Park sportsbook address?
The Fonner Park sports betting establishment is nestled between Kansas City and Denver, just off Interstate 80, Exit 314. The exact address is 700 E Stolley Park Road, Grand Island, Nebraska 68801 with GPS coordinates: Latitude: 40.9059; Longitude: 98.3294. You can find detailed instructions on how to get there further up this Fonner Park sportsbook review.
What is the minimum age to visit Fonner Park sports betting?
The minimum age for gambling on horse racing in Nebraska is 18. For keno and lottery games, one must be 19 or over. Feel free to check out Fonner Park’s amenities for information on what you can do if you want to visit and are under the legal age or have a family member is under 18.
Can I parlay any bets at Fonner Park sportsbook?
Fonner Park has not provided information about parlay bets. Once you are there, you can turn to one of the staff members and ask them about this possibility. Supported bets include Win, Place, Show, Exacta, Trifecta, Perfecta, Daily Double, and Pick 4.
Disclaimer: In regards to any changes related to the information of sportsbooks, we won't be held responsible if such differences occur. We advise our readers to double-check the official site of the betting location for most accurate information.