The new multipurpose facility at the Central Wyoming Fair Grounds in Casper, WY, was a longtime dream for the residents of Natrona County and fair manager Tom Jones. That dream became a reality during June of 2000 when the “Arena” hosted the College National Finals Rodeo. The Arena is now host to everything from indoor soccer matches to trade shows, and has already booked a return engagement for the 2001 Rodeo Finals.
Being an agricultural community, having an indoor facility in which to ride, rope, and train was important to the local culture. Having an hvac system that could handle the dust, smell, and humidity was also important to the patrons who paid for the Arena through private donations and a 1% county sales tax increase. The 95.5-acre fairground is the largest in Wyoming.