ROCK SPRINGS — The construction of 784 new horse stalls is now complete at the Sweetwater Events Complex–and just in the nick of time as National High School Finals Rodeo contestants begin moving their their horses in tomorrow.
The addition brings the number of permanent horse stalls on location to 1,064 permanent stalls, though it’s still not quite enough. The events complex is still renting 870 more temporary stalls for the 1,750 rodeo contestants hailing from around the world.
The rodeo, which starts tomorrow, is projected to bring 100,000 people to Rock Springs. Between 6,000 and 8,000 people will be camping at the Sweetwater Events Complex alone.
The horse stall project was primarily funded through a Business Ready Community Grant from the Wyoming Business Council, who gave about $3 million. Sweetwater County pitched in 17% of the project, to the tune of $519,000.
Sweetwater County Grant Writer Krisena Marshall was thanked heavily for the successful writing of the grant.
A ribbon cutting was hosted on-site with the Rock Springs Chamber of Commerce this afternoon.