SWEETWATER COUNTY – Sweetwater County Events Complex officials headed to Tennessee on Wednesday to meet with the National High School Finals Rodeo Board.

Complex Director Larry Lloyd said the goal of the trip is to “firm up” contracts for the event in the future. The rodeo is expected to make a return to Rock Springs in 2018.

Lloyd said they will also continue to discuss setting up a rotation for different locations for both the National High School and Junior High Rodeos.

With the contracts, Lloyd explained the issues they will be working on with the 67 member NHSFR Board are small financial matters. He stressed there will be no additional infrastructure needed when the rodeo returns.

Last year, the rodeo added a new event, the working cowhorse. The complex used the small practice arena across the street. Lloyd said they plan on using it again when the rodeo returns. He said they will do minor maintenance, but overall the arena worked well.

However, the complex is continuing to look at options for stalls. Lloyd said because of the growth of the event, NHSRF officials are estimating the complex will need an extra 200 stalls by the time it returns.

Currently, the complex has a state grant request to purchase new stalls. Lloyd stressed because of the wind and weather he did not feel comfortable with temporary stalls

The grant request will go before the Wyoming Business Council on March 9-10 and then will go to the State Land and Investment Board for final approval. It was reported complex officials are also lobbying members of the WBC on the importance of getting this grant.

“We can’t drop the ball now,” Lloyd said. “We have put too much work into it.”

Complex Marketing and Events Manager Kandi Pendleton noted these stalls are not only important to serve the needs of the NHSFR but also play a big part in bringing similar events to the area. Currently, the complex has also bid into hosting the 2022-2023 National Junior High Finals Rodeo.

Board member Rob Zotti appreciated the work of the staff and urged all the board members to actively lobby the Wyoming Business Council and SLIB on the importance of getting the grant. He said getting these grants is becoming very competitive because of decreasing funds and increasing requests.