Spanish Fork celebrates new rodeo arena

(haroldextra.com 7-20-12)

Mayor G. Wayne Andersen and the crowd in attendance at the new Spanish Fork arena ribbon cutting shouted, “Let’s rodeo!” The ribbon cutting was just one of the events held to celebrate the opening of the new arena for the 70th Annual Fiesta Days Rodeo.

The original arena was torn down in September following a $3 million donation from an anonymous donor, which was given to Andersen with one stipulation — that the arena be completed for the July 2012 Fiesta Days Rodeo.

And the city, contractors and workers have been working non-stop over the past few weeks to ensure that the arena would be complete and ready for the rodeo.

The new arena now boasts roomier and more comfortable seating for 8,500. There are more box seats and more covered seating. There are three concession stands in the arena in various areas and more restrooms.

“I think the neatest part is the curbside appeal,” said Dale Robinson, Spanish Fork director of parks and recreation. “It looks like a stadium and less like you are walking into bleachers. The ornamental fencing and the greenscape make it look great.”

Another added benefit is that there isn’t a bad seat in the house.

“There are no obstructed views,” Robinson said. “In our old arena the lower seats were always blocked by people walking by. The seating is also spacious. We have increased the size of the seats and the leg room.”

There also is a catwalk along the top of the entire arena, allowing someone to get anywhere in the arena by foot.

“When I found out in August of 2011 that we would be building a new arena, we wanted to build something that would make people go ‘wow,’ ” said Steven Money, member of the 2012 rodeo committee. “That is a ‘wow’ arena. Everyone did a tremendous job and I am extremely proud to be a part of it.”

A special bronze statue entitled “Cowboys Pride” sits in front of the arena and was donated by David Argyle, a local artist.

“This is a beautiful arena,” Argyle said. “The arena is as much a work of art as any piece of art and I feel humble to have my piece sitting here.”

Prior to the ribbon cutting a sponsor luncheon and honoring of inductees into the Hall of Fame was held. Delos Huff, Bill Crump, Lewis Feild and Redrock the Bull were inducted into the Hall of Fame. Huff and Crump were instrumental in starting the Diamond Fork Riding Club, which organizes the rodeo each year. Lewis Feild was honored for helping to elevate the Fiesta Days Rodeo to where it is today. Redrock the Bull was honored for helping move the rodeo into the limelight. Each year, new inductees will be added to the Hall of Fame.

“We couldn’t have done this without the generous support of Doug and Carol Ford,” Andersen said. “This is the finest outdoor arena in the country. It is a state-of-the-art facility.”

The Spanish Fork Fiesta Days Rodeo presented by Mountain View Hospital will be held today through Tuesday. Tickets are already sold out for tonight’s and Saturday’s shows. Tickets are still available for Monday and Tuesday, but are going quickly. For more information, please visit www.spanishfork.org.

https://www.heraldextra.com/news/2012/jul/20/spanish-fork-celebrates-new-rodeo-arena/