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UTAH STATE FAIRPARK AND DAYS OF ’47 ANNOUNCE GROUNDBREAKING FOR NEW RODEO ARENA THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 AT 6 PM

Sep 08, 2016 12:59PM ● By Bryan Scott
Press Release submitted to City Journals


SALT LAKE CITY – Tuesday, September 06, 2016 – The Utah State Fairpark Board of Directors and the Days of ’47 announced today they will be breaking ground on the new arena at the Utah State Fairpark this Thursday, September 8. The groundbreaking ceremony will be held at 6 PM and featured speakers and guests will include Governor Gary Herbert, Salt Lake County Mayor Ben McAdams, Utah State Senator Luz Escamilla, Representative Sandra Hollins, a representative from the Presiding Bishopric of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Chairman of the Fairpark Board Roger Beattie and Dan Shaw of the Days of ’47.  

“The Utah State Fairpark Board of Directors is thrilled to have the new arena under construction,” said Roger Beattie, chairman of the board. “The new arena will be a key element in the Fairpark’s success for years to come and spur additional improvements at the Fairpark.”

The groundbreaking coincides with the opening day of the 2016 Utah State Fair and will be held on the site where the new arena will be constructed (see attached map for exact location). The groundbreaking ceremony will include addresses from various dignitaries as well as an official shovel turning ceremony.   

Once complete, the new arena will host the Days of ’47 rodeo every July as well as other events throughout the year, including a variety of equine events and rodeo during the annual Utah State Fair.    

“I’m excited for a project twenty years in the making,” said Senator Luz Escamilla. “Our community is looking forward to the economic development opportunity at the Fairpark from this private-public investment. This arena will elevate the Fairpark to be a crown jewel in our city and our state.”  

Established in 1902, and wholly owned by the State of Utah, the Fairpark consists of 65 acres, 25 buildings, a food court, an outdoor arena, a grandstand and equestrian facilities. Thirteen of the buildings are on the Utah State historic register. Over the past 111 years, the Fairpark has hosted an incredible variety of events, including the fair, concerts, auto races, weddings, rodeos, and many, many more.