Equestrian Center at the National Western Center gets construction approval
In early June, the Denver City Council approved construction of the Equestrian Center—a key component of the ongoing National Western Center campus development.
The NWC is being built by the City and County of Denver and partners National Western Stock Show and Colorado State University. History Colorado and the Denver Museum of Nature and Science provide programming support.
“It strengthens Denver’s standing as a premier destination with cutting-edge facilities built to serve the industry and the community for generations,” Wes Allison, president and CEO of the National Western Stock Show, said in a news release. “These improvements will also enhance the National Western Stock Show each January, delivering a first-class experience for our exhibitors and guests.”
Allison said the organization is “incredibly grateful” to Denver for its continued commitment.
According to news articles, construction is slated to begin fall 2025, with the Equestrian Center located on the west side of the new campus. Exclusively dedicated to equestrians, the state-of-the-art, year-round facility will include a hotel and parking structure for guests and participants. The venue will complement the CSU Spur campus’ Vida building, which is home to the Temple Grandin Equine Center, the Humane Colorado small animal hospital and an equine athlete rehabilitation center.
“With the CSU Spur campus and the Stock Show, the National Western Center is well-positioned for sustained growth and long-term success,” Allison said.
Leaders hope the facility fits the needs and values of the industry, emphasizing animal comfort, health and modern amenities to support all the equestrian disciplines.
Equestrian Center features are set to include:
• Flexible paddock and stalling configurations to host various events;
• under-seat circulation is designed for cattle handling and administrative use;
• immediate proximity to the Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Livestock Center and the HW Hutchison Family Stockyards Events Center for multi-arena utilization and expanded stalling;
• access to stockyards equipped for warm-up arenas, parking, and trailer accommodations.
“The new Equestrian Center will open the door to year-round opportunities, drawing equine enthusiasts and some of the nation’s most prestigious horse shows to Denver,” Allison said.
To follow progress on the National Western Center campus, visit nationalwesterncenter.com.
Kylene Scott can be reached at 620-227-1804 or [email protected].
