City of Grand Island

Grand Island, Neb. — Local dignitaries and community members gathered this morning at Heartland Public Shooting Park to officially light the torch for the inaugural Cornhusker State Games Torch Tour, launching a statewide celebration of sport, unity, and healthy living.

Grand Island was the first stop on the Nebraska Sports Council’s newly-launched Torch Tour, a symbolic journey designed to build excitement and connect communities ahead of the 2025 Cornhusker State Games. The torch will continue west to North Platte later today, followed by stops in Columbus, Fremont and Omaha before arriving in Lincoln on July 10 for the Opening Night celebration.

“Part of the vision we had for the shooting park was to create the activities that would come out here,” said Steve Hornady, President of Hornady Manufacturing. “Getting the Cornhusker State Games to come to the shooting park, which is really a world-class facility, we believe will be staggeringly beneficial to Grand Island.”

The event featured filmed remarks from community leaders and a ceremonial torch lighting that will be pieced together with similar content from the other communities in the tour. The torch’s arrival marks a countdown to one of Nebraska’s largest multi-sport festivals, drawing thousands of amateur athletes of all ages and skill levels.

Hosted annually by the Nebraska Sports Council, the Cornhusker State Games promote active lifestyles and community engagement through a wide variety of sporting events. The first-ever Torch Tour reflects this mission by extending the spirit of the Games to communities across the state.