EXHIBIT 23.1



                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


         We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration
Statement (Form S-8) pertaining to the Hastings Entertainment, Inc. 2002
Incentive Stock Plan of our report dated March 22, 2002, with respect to the
consolidated financial statements and schedule of Hastings Entertainment, Inc.
included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended January 31, 2002,
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.


                                                /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
                                                --------------------------------
                                                Ernst & Young LLP
Fort Worth, Texas

June 17, 2002