Grand Island 'dreams big' with expanded plaza in heart of Railside

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. — Grand Island was ready to rock but the storms decided to roll.

Community leaders still gathered Friday evening to dedicate Amur Plaza.

The downtown concert venue has expanded and now has a permanent stage plus bathrooms and more green space.

Amur finance donated much of the funding for the project in the heart of the Railside district.

“Dream big and accomplish great goals. That one thing is what brings us here today,” said Mayor Roger Steele during the dedication event.

Friday night was to be the kickoff of the Hear Grand Island concert series that attracts tens of thousands downtown over the course of the summer.

Unfortunately the weather didn't cooperate so bands moved to the Glass Bar downtown.

Concert promoters say they plan to be back at the new plaza next Friday night.