ROCK SPRINGS – The Sweetwater County Events Complex is always ready for the next event. The SWEC has hosted bands like Hinder, Shinedown, Ted Nugent and Florida Georgia Line in addition to top rodeo events like the National High School Finals Rodeo and locally grown events including motocross, stock-car racing, monster trucks and the demolition derby among others.
On Tuesday at the SWEC Board meeting, events were the major topic of the night.
The Events Complex is currently preparing for the Mountain States Circuit Rodeo Oct. 24-26.
Events Coordinator Kandi Pendleton explained they have been working with a group who will bring muttin bustin to the event. She explained this company does several events including the muttin bustin championships in California.
The event is open to children 4-years-old to 7-years-old who are under 60 pounds. Winners will have the chance to go to the championships in California.
Pendleton said they have also been working with Murdoch’s Ranch and Home Supply and the White Mountain Mall to bring more excitement to Rock Springs. The person who runs the Muttin Bustin has an RV which has been featured on the Travel Channel’s Extreme RVs. Pendleton said they would love to park the RV at the mall and have signups for the event but again stressed they are still filling the final details on certain aspects.
Executive Director Larry Lloyd explained residents and visitors should remember this is the only professional rodeo in this part of Wyoming which takes place indoors.
He also explained this rodeo happens right in the middle of hunting season and currently they are working on possibly putting a packet out for hunting widows and children. He added tickets are great gifts for top clients, friends and other business relationships because it showcases the top cowboys along with National Final Rodeo Stock.
Looking in the future
Not only is the SWEC staff working on upcoming events, they are looking into the future to bring new events to the area. Discussion revolved around 2016 and 2017, the year the National High School Finals Rodeo heads back to Gillette.
“That is the year the National High School Final Rodeo goes off,” Lloyd said. “We are actively looking for events to fill those holes. We are looking for large-to-medium, travel trailer events.”
One of these events the complex is talking to is the Loretta Lynn Motocross event which makes stops all over the United States. Lloyd said others include softball tournaments in cooperation with the city, larger sportsman expo events and other BMX events.
One problem Lloyd said they are up against is that the larger events are usually booked 10 years in advance.
Staff is not only looking for new events but looking at changes to some old favorites. Lloyd told the board they have been approached by the demolition derby folks about moving the annual event to the stock car track instead of the outdoor area. The BMX racers have also met with Lloyd about moving to the south side of the outdoor area instead of in the very back of the property. Lloyd said they are taking a hard look at these possible changes.
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