Lancaster Event Center Gets Green Light on $4 Million Project

The County Board approved the $4 Million improvement project for the Lancaster Event Center to be completed before the facility hosts the 2020 National High School Rodeo Finals.

Cameron Lancaster, a High School Rodeo Athlete from Beatrice, told the County Commissioners during their Tuesday meeting how rodeo has been important to him. “You’re constantly competing against others, but the others are trying to help you as well, you’re always wanting each other to do better,” said Lancaster.

Horse owner Debbie Bremm said all Lancaster county residents should be proud of the event center, but stated “just like any other venue, if they do not keep up with the trends and continue to improve, your facility will not be as new or appealing to horseman around the country.” Bremm told county commissioners that several midwestern cities are upgrading their rodeo facilities, and Lincoln needs the proposed improvements to keep landing major horse shows.

Tiffany Heng Moss, Dean of the College of Agriculture at UNL, told the County Board that an updated event center is important for recruiting. “This opportunity is a once in a lifetime to recruit amazing talent from all over the country.” She said the national high school finals rodeo will likely attract students who might not consider attending the University of Nebraska otherwise.

Lancaster County Resident Tom Messick told Commissioners he’s traveled to a lot of horse shows around the country, and has spent a lot of money in other cities. “It’s nice to be seeing that opportunity for some money to be coming back into our county,” said Messick.

The improvement project will be adding additional hook-ups and sites for campers so that the Event Center can accommodate the Rodeo Finals and larger events in the future.