GRAND ISLAND, Neb. — From the spectacle of thoroughbred racing to the thrill of the State Fair, Fonner Park stands alone as an entertainment destination and bow comes the biggest wager yet with a $100 million casino.

Confetti streamed in the air as shovels turn dirt below. The real action comes in 15 months with a casino and resort unlike anything in central Nebraska.

“It really is going to be a jewel,” said Chris Kotulak, Fonner Park CEO.

Fonner Park could have chosen a Vegas partner but Kotulak says Iowa-based Elite Casino Resorts had the right vision.

“We wanted something iconic for Grand Island,” Kotulak said.

And they think they’ve got that with a complex that’ll feature hundreds of slot machines, 20 table games, entertainment, salon and spa, indoor/outdoor pool, multiple restaurants, and hotel.

“This is going to be a place people want to visit, want to spend time at,” said Dan Kehl, CEO of Elite Casino Resorts.

They broke ground three years to the week after voters approved casinos at horse tracks. Thoroughbred racing has struggled but this track stands alone.

“Fonner Park is the driving essence of racing in Nebraska,” said Shane Greckel who serves on the Racing and Gaming Commission with a farmer’s point of view.

“Racing is inherently linked with agriculture. We’ve got a great thoroughbred program but horses take hay, take feed, creates ripple effect,” he said.

So far, Nebraska casinos have put $9 million into property tax relief and this is projected to also provide millions for city and county government.

“The less we have to ask for taxpayer,” said Mayor Roger Steele.

Elite Casino Resorts owns and operates the facility, joining the State Fair as tenants on the campus that hosts events year round with an expectation more will come.

“With collaboration we can really make this place special,” Kotulak said.

Construction is expected to take about 15 months which would mean it should open in early 2025.