Grand Island selected as host city for the 2028 Golden Gloves National Tournament
LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — The City of Grand Island was selected to host the 2028 Golden Gloves National Tournament of Champions at Fonner Park.
In a press release on Tuesday, Grand Island Tourism said the tournament — taking place May 8-13, 2028 — is expected to draw elite amateur boxers, coaches and families from across the United States.
The tournament is a premier amateur boxing event with a rich legacy dating back to 1923.
According to the city, it has been the launching pad for many of boxing’s legends, including Muhammad Ali, Joe Louis, Sugar Ray Leonard, and Oscar De La Hoya.
Each year, top amateur boxers from regional Golden Gloves franchises earn the right to compete for national titles in their weight classes.
Recent host cities for the national tournament include Detroit (2023), Philadelphia (2024), Tulsa (2025 and 2026) and Lowell, Massachusetts (2027).
Grand Island’s selection as the 2028 host “reflects the city’s growing reputation for successful event management and community engagement,” the city said.
“This is more than a sporting event — it’s a celebration of heritage, community, and the next generation of champions,” said Brad Mellema, Executive Director of Grand Island Tourism. “The Grow Grand Island funding played a crucial role in making our bid viable. It’s an investment that will pay dividends in visibility, tourism, and community pride.”
The tournament week will kick off with the traditional Opening Banquet.
It will feature keynote speakers from the world of boxing, recognition of regional champions and the ceremonial draw for tournament brackets.
“Hosting the Golden Gloves Nationals is a significant win for Grand Island,” the city said in a press release. “It is expected to bring thousands of visitors and generate millions of dollars in economic activity through lodging, dining, and tourism. The event will also engage hundreds of volunteers and offer unique opportunities for local youth and community organizations to get involved.”
The city said planning is already underway, and additional details including marketing, venue setup, volunteer opportunities and sponsorship information that will be released in the coming months.
