The Newport Rodeo is gearing up for its best show yet
A team of construction workers lay cement in order to expand the handicap seating area at the Newport Rodeo on Thursday, May 4.
Photo by Max Oswald
NEWPORT — The 74th annual Newport PRCA Rodeo will be back in town Friday, June 23, and Saturday, June 24, – and the Newport Rodeo Association is getting the arena in the best shape possible with some major upgrades.
One of the biggest upgrades that Ray Hanson, president of the Newport Rodeo Association, is most excited for is the handicapped seating that has been expanded and rebuilt to better serve those in need of a great seat with an unobstructed view. The rodeo is now in compliance with ADA standards.
“We used to only be able to seat 15 people in our handicap section,” Hanson said. “Now, we will be able to seat at least double that — potentially up to 50 people. The stands and walkways have been rebuilt with new boards where needed as well.”
In addition to the new handicapped seating, fans all around the stadium will be able to enjoy instant replays on the new “Jumbotron” screen. There will also be remote big screen televisions installed at the beer garden. In addition, the beer garden has also more seats in order to increase the stadium's capacity.
With all this expansion, the Newport Rodeo is now able to seat up to an additional 1,500 fans. Combine that with being ADA compliant, and the rodeo can now host concerts and other shows at the venue.
The lighting was upgraded in a big way. The new LED lighting system will reduce the rodeo’s lighting costs by about 12%.
“We replaced the aging lighting systems with new state-of-the-art lighting that will make Newport the best-lit arena in the Northwest,” Bill Neilke, an advertising representative with the Newport Rodeo, said. “Our cowboys will no longer have to wear headlamps when riding late at night.”
All of these improvements were made possible due to the support of local fans and small businesses. The new and improved construction projects have all been made possible due to community donations and volunteers. The Newport Rodeo Association operates as a nonprofit business entity and is extremely thankful for all the community support.
Last year, the Newport Rodeo was voted the second-best small rodeo in the 54 Columbia River Rodeo Circuit. All of those involved with the rodeo and its new construction are doing everything they can to move it into the No. 1 spot.
Tickets are now available at www.newportrodeo.com and prices will remain the same as last year. The PCRA and Rough Stock shows are expected to bring in their biggest crowds to date in June.