New Equestrian Complex Coming to National Western Center in Denver, CO.
The National Western Center represents a transformation of the National Western Complex into a year-round destination and agri-business hub. The existing 100-acre site will expand to approximately 250-acres of indoor and outdoor year-round venues that will host a variety of Western Stock Show Association events and other festivals and concerts. What’s more, the new campus will be home to a new 527,000 square foot state-of-the-art Equestrian Center as well as Colorado State University’s Animal Health Building.
The National Western Center is a new take on a legendary Colorado space – a place where the heritage of the Old West meets the advances of the New West. Five founding partners, the City and County of Denver, Western Stock Show Association, Colorado State University, the Denver Museum of Nature and Science and History Colorado represent a collaboration that blends education, research, culture, heritage and economic development efforts.
With a commitment for the next 100 years, this one-of-a-kind campus will be a bridge between rural and urban interests.
The Equestrian Center will include:
The Equestrian Center is a 526,440 square foot building containing two show arenas (150’x300’ floor size), one with 4,500 fixed seats plus 10 suites and one with 500 fixed seats, two warm-up paddocks leading directly into the show arenas, two additional open-sided connected warm-ups and a barn with 800+ stalls, wash racks, restrooms, officesand meeting rooms. The building will be equipped with production equipment including camera drops, production lights and screens.
Stats at a Glance
- Approximately 526,440 GSF new Equestrian Center
- 220,000 SF horse barn with 800, 12’x12’ horse stalls (and up to 4,000 stalls using adjacent facilities and land)
- 4,500-seat Equestrian Events Center
- 500-seat, multi-use Equestrian Show Arena
- Two 24,000 SF indoor paddocks (120’x200’)
- Two 20,000 SF covered outdoor practice areas (100’x200’)
- 1,000 underground standard parking spaces (clearance will accommodate dually trucks, but reduce spaces)
- Adjacent to CSU Animal Health building that includes Equine Sports Medicine Center, Temple Grandin Equine Center, and Community Small Animal Veterinary Clinic
- 1,000 underground standard parking spaces (clearance will accommodate dually trucks, but reduce spaces)
- Outdoor Plaza
Q&A
Q: What is the purpose of the Equestrian Center?
A: The Equestrian Center is being designed with flexibilityto host local and national equestrian events of various disciplines throughout the year.
Q: Where is the Equestrian Center located on campus?
A: The Equestrian Center is located to the west side of the new campus, running alongside the Livestock Center and connecting to the north side of Colorado State University’s Animal Health building.
Q: How big is the Equestrian Center?
A: The Equestrian Center is a 500,000+ square foot building containing two show arenas, two paddocks leading directly into the show arenas two additional open-sided connected warm-ups and a 220,000 SF horse barn with 800, 12’x12’ horse stalls (and up to 4,000 stalls using adjacent facilities and land), wash racks, restrooms, offices and meeting rooms.
Q: Where will horse exhibitors park?
A: During non-stock show times, there will be seven acres of underground parking directly below the barn for vehicle parking, including dually trucks as well as 20 acres of flexible stockyards for RV and trailer parking.
Q: How many RV spaces will there be?
A: The 20 acres of stockyards will break down during non- stock show times and allow for up to 125 RV hookups (electric and water.)
Q: When will construction start?
A: Construction activities began in 2018 with demolitionand site work. The first phase involving reconstruction of the stockyards will begin immediately after the National Western Stock Show concludes in January 2019.
Q: When will the Equestrian Center open?
A: The phasing of the entire program is focused around not disrupting current events and has the Equestrian Center slated to open in 2023.
Q: Will local clubs be able to host events at the National Western Center?
A: Yes. Our desire is to find a good balance between local and national shows and events to showcase various breeds and disciplines year round.
Q: How will the National Western Center host larger equestrian shows?
A: Larger, national shows will have the option to utilize other facilities on campus or modify how they are used. For instance, the Livestock Center has a show arena (150’x300’) and flexible barn space. The Stockyards Show Arena, Stockyards and parking garage may also be available for arenas and/or stall space.
Q: Will the Equestrian Center have heating and air conditioning?
A: Yes! The entire building will be fully climate controlled for health and comfort.
Q: What are the benefits of being adjacent to the ColoradoState University Animal Health building?
A: Within the Animal Health building, Colorado State University plans to house an equine rehabilitation clinic, the Temple Grandin Equine Center and a Pet Aid clinic. Equestrian shows will the option to take advantage of state-of- the-art veterinarians with top of the line equipment.
Q: What are additional perks to hosting an equestrian event at the new National Western Center?
A: In addition to your experience at the new campus, Colorado is home to a vibrant downtown where visitors can en- joy sporting and cultural events, museums, restaurants and shopping. Just a short drive away, enjoy the mountains and outdoors for skiing, hiking, biking and more!
Q: What historical aspects are being incorporated into the National Western Center?
A: Creating a place that honors our past for future generations is important to our community. Historic elements from artifacts to entire buildings will be incorporated throughout the campus.
