Lewis Cooper Rodeo Arena’s New Addition Eastern New Mexico University’s rodeo program entered its first phase toward building a fully enclosed Lewis Cooper Arena by constructing a new enclosure. “This is a good step in the right direction,” said ENMU rodeo coach Albert Flinn (MBA 70, BA 68). “The new metal building shows people that we’re serious about what we’re doing.”
Photo by Todd Fuqua
By Todd Fuqua
Albert and the rodeo team’s vision is to make the Lewis Cooper Arena a premier destination for regional rodeos and to showcase ENMU’s rich rodeo history.
Left to right, Regent Dan Patterson, Connie Patterson, Student Regent Chandlar Head (attending), Regent Trish Ruiz (attended), ENMU President Patrice Caldwell and ENMU Foundation Board Member Peter Serena (BBA 68) gather in the new facility at Eastern’s Lewis Cooper Rodeo Arena during the ENMU Foundation’s Annual Barbecue on June 26. Photo by Todd Fuqua
After construction completed in May, ENMU staff began to plan the first events to be hosted in the new venue. Both the ENMU Foundation’s Burying of the Beef and Annual Barbecue were successful and well attended, despite a rainstorm blowing through at the start of the Saturday event. All 110 guests were protected from the elements and enjoyed some incredible barbecued beef. “Not wind nor blowing dirt or rain will stop those of us that live on the high plains from our beef fix,” stated Noelle Bartl (BS 92), executive director of the ENMU Foundation. “The new building was the talk of the evening as folks toured the structure while catching up after 18 months of living through the pandemic.” An anonymous donor, secured by Greyhound Club President Charles Bennett (BBA 81), provided generous funding for the 250-foot-long building, including covered handicapped parking and entry to the bleachers. Coach Flinn said the eventual goal is to install an industrial kitchen and dining area in the structure, along with a possible luxury suite for alumni and guests. Photo by Todd Fuqua
A look at the inside of the facility, before the interior wall was installed, gives an idea of the size of the building. The structure in the center houses the restrooms.
Banners honoring Eastern’s National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association champions are on display in the building. “When we’re able to begin fundraising again, we hope to build a similar structure on the other side of the arena, then eventually put it all together providing a covered competition arena for the athletes,” Flinn said. “This is phase one of what will likely be a five-phase project. “It’s hard to say how long all this project will take,” Flinn explained. “It will be a long haul, but our goal is to get it done. We just have to keep going.”
Volunteers put beef into a metal box to be slowly cooked overnight for the ENMU Foundation Annual Burying of the Beef at the new facility.
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Green & Silver | September 2021
The general public will get a chance to see the new facility when ENMU hosts its annual College Days Rodeo, scheduled for September of this year. Last year, the 55th College Days Rodeo was hosted by Eastern but held at the Mallet Events Center in Levelland, Texas.
