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Building, skybox added at Clearwater rodeo grounds
New construction • (l-r): Clearwater Chamber of Commerce members Aaron Kruger and Gene Snodgrass assist Seth Bolling, owner of S & S Construction, apply underlayment on the roof of a new building at the rodeo grounds. The facility will include a rodeo office, along with meeting and storage spaces.
A new skybox is put in place, earlier this month, at the Clearwater rodeo grounds.
Cowboys and cowgirls attending the 56th annual Clearwater Big Rodeo will notice improvements on the rodeo grounds, situated along West Highway 275.
A new 40-foot by 50-foot building, featuring a rodeo office, kitchen, meeting area, shop and shower, was approved by Clearwater Chamber of Commerce membership in December.
Chamber vice president Jeremy Sanne said, "The building will benefit workers, especially for cleaning and keeping all supplies on the rodeo grounds."
Many chamber members volunteered labor to construct the building, which be used for the first time for contestant check-ins, during Friday's opening night competition.
Local contractors were utilized for cement work, electrical, plumbing and heating ventilation and air conditioning in the building.
Curt Thiele, chamber president, "We used local contractors, keeping chamber dollars in the local area."
The new facility will be used by the local chamber throughout the year. The organization's monthly meetings will be held in the meeting room.
Sanne added, "We'll be able to keep all essentials for rodeo preparations and monthly meetings in one spot."
An additional skybox has been installed above the west arena entrance. The television production team, along with chamber photographer, will utilize one of the other smaller skyboxes already installed.
Rodeo co-chairman, Jeremy Kester, said, "This will give our photographer and television crew more room."
Two rookie events - saddle broncs and bareback - have been added to the this year's program.
"We're trying to keep young kids interested in rodeo events, especially rough stock," Kester said.
In the past five years, the chamber has made multiple upgrades at the facility, including new and improved concession stands, skybox seating, upgraded bleachers.
In addition to the rodeo, the chamber hosts an annual Rough Stock Challenge, scheduled for July 22, giving competitors an opportunity to further their skills.
"The ultimate goal is to have an improved experience for our competitors and spectators," said Gene Snodgrass, rodeo co-chairman.
For more information about the chamber and its programs, visit http://www.clearwaterrodeo.com.
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