This arena is an anomaly. Duelling in the sparsely-populated area of north-central Nebraska was limited to impromptu challenges on country roads and infrequent farmland winter duels. In 2037 this all changed. An eccentric rancher/banker, Joel Yates, had made a challenge to a fellow rancher to settle a territory dispute. Joel wanted the duel in Grand Island; the rancher wanted it in Valentine. Joel, with determination backed up by money, went ahead and constructed an arena on the outskirts of town. The duel ending in the rancher conceding to Joel. The arena picked up some press and Joel decided to go full-bore on making it a viable arena. Today it is the only AADA-certified arena between Grand Island, Nebraska, and Bismarck, North Dakota.* It also serves as a ‘square of honor' for ranchers, farmers, truckers, and other people to settle grudges and slights. These duels most often end in surrender; duels to the death are reserved for blood feuds.
The main feature of the Broken Heart is the octagonal platform. It's 22.5 feet (1 1/2") high, the eight ramps are angled to 40 degrees and is indestructible. A breach can be made in the outer walls only if 200 points of damage is done in one volley. This had occurred only once before. In a grudge match between two truckers a ramplate-equipped 10-wheel truck struck and breached the north wall. There are also four escape hatches in the arena floor. It takes one full turn (five phases) to open a hatch. The hatches are only used for escape. Any attempt to use them as stop-gap foxholes is frowned at and the violator may be fired on by any arena participant. The 12 gates help to facilitate large team fights, such as cycles. The arena is paved. In winter snow is allowed to accumulate and added for snowmobile duels.
The Broken Heart Arena makes most of its income by telecasting team fights to the major sports networks, like BGN, exclusive pay-per-view broadcasts, and advertising. Since its mainly a ‘TV arena' seating is only 2,000 maximum in four corner-located sections and is open to the elements. In the winter snowmobiles, off-road cycles, trikes, and even hovercraft compete in the snow-covered arena. The PR (publicity rating) is 1, but in the winter season it is 2 due to the novelty and added hazard of winter duelling.
* Sioux Falls, SD is too far east to be counted.
Arena Schedule
Monday - Amateur and Challenge Night.
Tuesday - AADA Divisionals.
Wednesday - Team Events.
Thursdays - Cycles and Trikes.
Friday - Challenge Night.
Saturday - Small Vehicle Team Events.
Sunday - Practice and Repairs.
Special Arena Events:
King of the Hill
In this event one team (or duellist) has to have the only operable (at least one direct-fire weapon and a working power plant) vehicle left on top of the octagon.
Fight for Freedom
Depending on availability, prisoners with sentences 5 years or longer have an opportunity to win an early release by participating in Civil War reenactments, Western- style gunfights, and pedestrian vs. vehicle fights. The octagon is used as either an objective to be captured or defended.
Jumping Jack Cash
The duellist or team making the most jumps earns a bonus up to 20% of the prize money of the arena. This can be a stand-alone event or included as a bonus in other fights.