The new campus will include wood from the original stockyards pictured here in 1918.
Center, there will be plenty of opportunities to honor our past as we plan for the future in this redevelopment.” The Yard Show will continue to be a centerpiece of the NWSS. Phases one and two of the expansion project will take place between now and 2023. “The historic piece is so special,” admits Andrews. “The essence of the project is occurring with the same start as the original grounds in 1906 – The Yards.” Where the Hereford Pen and Carload Shows take place and the animals are housed, boards and wood making up the current facility will carefully be removed as part of the first phase to be completed by 2021. All wood will be reused on the grounds, keeping the rich history in tact while expanding the current Yards by 20 acres and increasing the electricity, water and comfort of the current outdoor facility.
“Some of the wood from the current Yards facility will be used in the new livestock center entry way where we will prepare and show cattle,” explained Andrews. The second stage of the expansion will include the new livestock and equestrian centers, starting in 2021 after the new Yards are developed, with a goal of competition by 2023. By expanding the facility, the show and attendance could easily approach 1 million people from near and far. “This expansion will allow us to expand our show,” said Andrews. “The fully air conditioned facility will also allow us to compete with other facilities in hosting summer shows.” A new livestock center will include seating for 3,000 people and be attached to 200,000 square foot of livestock barns. There will be a new equestrian center right next to the livestock barns and include two show arenas, one to seat 500 and the other boasting 4,500 seats, with 700 permanent stalls for horses. Phase three of the NWC will include the new rodeo arena and exhibition hall. This phase will begin after 2023 when all livestock facilities are complete.
NJHA/Advertisements | March 2018
Built off the history and heritage of the NWSS, the new Center will secure the future of the livestock event. Increased year-round programming will create opportunities for education, food and food production, art, agriculture and livestock, water resources, and recreational activities through collaboration at the new “campus”. As the vision statement reads, “The NWC celebrates the pioneering spirit and promise of the West through year-round experiential life-long learning, the arts, entertainment, competition and commerce.” Over the next 10 years, the new NWC campus will be an international center of excellence in agricultural innovation, education, research, technology and imagination as well as entertainment and competition, serving the needs and interests of farmers, ranchers, tourists, researchers, students and educators around the world.
(L to R) Will Hendricks, Republic, Mo., and Paynton Kanoy, Concordia, Mo., exhibiting at this year’s NWSS.
41