News Releases

Lincoln, Neb. (July 14, 2026)—The 2026 Cornhusker State Games opened with a thrilling first weekend featuring competition in 40 sports at venues in Fremont, Grand Island, Lincoln, Omaha, and several other communities in Nebraska. One of the weekend's standout stories...

Lincoln, Neb (July 8, 2026) – Competition begins Thursday, July 9, as the 2026 Cornhusker State Games kicks off its first weekend with 40 sports and thousands of athletes competing at venues across Nebraska. Opening-day competition will feature Pickleball at Midwest...

LINCOLN, Neb. (July 6, 2026) — Thirteen years after competing in the Cornhusker State Games as a track and field athlete, Omaha native Taryn Smith is returning to the 42nd State Games in a new role— as the Opening Night torch lighter. Smith will light the ceremonial...

Trans-Atlantic Rower Taryn Smith to Light State Games Caldron LINCOLN, Neb. (June 30, 2026) — American adventurer and first solo American woman to complete the World's Toughest Row, Taryn Smith will help kick off the 42nd annual Cornhusker State Games as the...

LINCOLN, Neb. (June 24, 2026) — Athletes looking to compete in the 2026 Cornhusker State Games have until Wednesday, July 1 at 11:59 p.m. to register for more than 70 sports featured in this year’s event. Competitions will take place July 9-19 in Lincoln, Omaha,...

LINCOLN, Neb. (June 10, 2026) — Organizers of the Cornhusker State Games are encouraging athletes to register before the next price increase on June 17 at 11:59 p.m. Registration information and a complete list of sports can be found...

LINCOLN, Neb. (May 20, 2026)– The 42nd annual Cornhusker State Games will officially begin Thursday, July 9, as athletes, families and fans gather for Opening Night festivities outside Pinnacle Bank Arena beginning at 7 p.m. The ceremonial torch lighting will mark the...

LINCOLN, Neb. (April 15, 2026) — Organizers of the Cornhusker State Games are encouraging athletes to complete their registration before their price increase at 11:59 p.m. on April 22. Registration details and a full list of sports are available...

LINCOLN, Neb. (February 17, 2026) — Organizers of the Cornhusker State Games are encouraging athletes to complete their registration before 11:59 p.m. on Feb. 18 to lock in the lowest entry fees for 2026. Registration details and a full list of sports are available at...

LINCOLN, Neb. (January 5, 2026) — Registration is open for most sports in the 42nd annual Cornhusker State Games, which take place July 9-19, 2026, in Lincoln, Omaha, Fremont, Columbus, Grand Island, North Platte, and several other Nebraska communities. Cornhusker...