In 1895, twelve business leaders joined forces to save the Nebraska state fair, which played an important role in Nebraska’s economy. During a discussion on a train to Mardi Gras, one of the leaders allegedly said, “Why not reverse the name of our beloved state, since everything seems to be going backward these days? Nebraska hyphenated and spelled backward is Ak-Sar-Ben.” The name stuck. Throughout the decades, Aksarben has been a source of both economic and civic pride to the state. Historic accomplishments, such as the Aksarben Stockshow and Rodeo, the Aksarben Racetrack and Coliseum, and of course, the legendary annual Aksarben Ball, have been instrumental in raising funds for communities across the state, including the installment of monuments in Memorial Park, purchasing fire trucks, saving the Orpheum Theater during the early 1970s, building community centers across the state, and awarding over $65 million in scholarships and community grants. These are but a few examples of the many state-enhancing accomplishments that came about as a direct result of business leaders coming together through the Aksarben Foundation.

In 1995, due to competition from the casinos in Iowa, the Akarben racetrack closed its doors. In 2005, it was demolished, along with the coliseum, to make way for the area known as Aksarben Village — the city’s premier entertainment and shopping community with unique shops, bars, bike trails, and green spaces. And while the racetrack is long gone, the Aksarben Foundation, unlike its backwards namesake, has continued moving forward toward the future with its initiatives.