Multiple organizations are working together to expand the Nevada State Fairgrounds and Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center. But before they can do that, they need to focus on basic needs.
Clint Thiesse, board member of Nevada Western Heritage Alliance, says, "During the Reno Rodeo, you'll see 50 blue Santi-huts out here because there aren't the facilities out here necessary to serve the public."
Nevada Western Heritage Alliance, which is overseeing the project, says the utilities here are at least 50 years old and unfit for any future expansions.
JJ Goicochea, Director of the Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA), says, "We want to make sure we have enough water for fire flow, for our domestic needs there, then of course sewer. We'd like to see some more indoor bathroom facilities on that property."
This project is supported by a $5.5 million COVID-19 relief grant.
Thiesse says construction may cause some inconveniences for both car and foot traffic in the area on normal days. However, the NDA says they're working closely with the RSCVA to ensure construction does not impact any events at the venues.
Goicochea says, "If there's a large event in a certain area of that 80 acres, then we will shift the construction away from that. There may be times, June for example, of next year, there's not going to be a lot of construction going on."
The beginning of this project follows the passing of Assembly Bill 333 out of the 83rd legislature, which returned the Nevada State Fairgrounds to the NDA from Washoe County.
Once phase one of the project is complete, Thiesse says they'll look into other new renovations, "Once the utilities are in place, then we can start expanding with new grandstands, getting an exhibit hall back out here."
Goicochea says, "This is the centerpiece. This is the most heavily booked venue now in northern Nevada through RSCVA, and we want to make sure we can continue to meet that need going forward for the next quarter century."
The first phase of this project is expected to be complete by September of next year at the latest.
