The Reno Rodeo Legacy Committee, now operating under the Nevada Western Heritage Center Alliance, has refocused their efforts on rebuilding key sections of the livestock events center as part of a phased approach.
The master project plan includes several phases of construction to complete that will give the arena a much-needed overhaul after 30 years.
In Phase 1, they'll be replacing grandstands #3, #4, and #5 with new facilities, including approximately 2,100 additional seats, 33 new boxes and 20 luxury boxes. This includes revamped restrooms, concessions, storage, and elevators.
In Phases 2-4, planned expansions include an exhibit hall, completion of grandstands #1 and #2, and a second indoor arena.
Rodeo organizers say funding efforts are in the works and the Nevada Western Heritage Center Alliance is actively working to get both public and private investment, grants, and donations to support construction during Phase 1.
The well-defined plan is called "Legacy Re-imagined" and starts with grandstand upgrades costing around $90 million, aiming to start in 2026.
Funding sources span private donations, grants, and state infrastructure money. While subsequent phases await outcomes from Phase 1, the current momentum makes this a strategically-prioritized beginning.
"Well, that's going to be a multi-year project—probably expand a couple of legislative sessions—but the idea is a combination of public and private funding. We've created a non-profit organization to manage the capital campaign," says former Reno Rodeo President Mike Torvinen. "We had some planning money in 2019; we came up with some plans and we are moving along. It's a big project, so there's a lot of things to overcome, a lot of obstacles, but we're moving along. We did get $6 million dollars a couple years ago to do a water, sewer infrastructure."
Torvinen adds, "I'm very enthusiastic about improving every part of this property, and the indoor arena is slated for some major upgrades for its air-conditioning; an upgrade that's been due for a couple years. So all the partners on the property are coming together working very well."
