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EXPO SQUARE/Tulsa Fairgrounds Map to Expo Square/Tulsa Fairgrounds New barn raises fair officials' spirits |
It's attracting big-name horse shows to Expo Square.Super Barn D might not be the sexiest name in the world, but to Expo Square officials, the building, ceremonially opened Monday, is the final gem in a world-class livestock complex.Friends of the Fairgrounds Foundation President Jono Helmerich said the group plans to announce a new name -- one that has naming-rights cash attached -- in the next few weeks. The new barn is the fairgrounds' biggest, with 125,000 square feet and the capacity to stall 640 horses. The barn, which features a climate-controlled arena, will be used to stall the race horses and house the Birthing Center and Petting Zoo during the Tulsa State Fair. The $8.9 million structure was funded by the Vision 2025 sales tax initiative. Only six years ago, the fairgrounds' string of old, metal barns was dilapidated and certainly inadequate for regional and national shows, not to mention the Pinto and Palomino world shows, which it has now. County Commissioner Wilbert Collins said the future is bright. "More and more livestock organizations are interested in coming here," he said. County Commissioner Bob Dick praised the fairgrounds staff and the Tulsa Metro Chamber for landing what he called the "crown jewel" of horse shows, the U.S. National Arabian and Half-Arabian Championship Horse Show, which is coming in 2008. That show will have a ripple effect among agricultural-related businesses, he said. The fairgrounds now generates an economic impact of $130 million a year, and when all of its other improvements are finished, that figure will balloon to about $200 million, he said. Heavily attended events not only will help the county maintain roads and improve the quality of life but also will ensure a healthy revenue stream to keep buildings maintained, Dick said. The complex now features three enclosed arenas and five barns connected by a covered walkway, as well as new RV facilities. The Pavilion's arena can be used for large shows, and the free-span design of the pending Central Park Hall would allow an arena there, as well. All together, the facilities can accommodate 3,500 horses. County Commissioner Randi Miller said the new facilities are truly stunning and among the five top livestock arenas in the country.
Susan Hylton 581-8313 |
