The Ranch 2026 Amended Master Plan
TITLE: The Ranch Master Plan
REQUEST: Approval of The Ranch Master Plan
STAFF CONTACTS: Conor McGrath, The Ranch Events Complex Director
LAND USE HEARING DATE: January 26, 2026
NOTICE GIVEN: Newspaper publication in two newspapers
BACKGROUND:
The Ranch Master Plan (Attachment A) is the long-term roadmap guiding the next 10–15 years of growth and investment across the 315-acre Larimer County fairgrounds and event campus in Loveland. It builds on The Ranch’s history as a community gathering place while expanding opportunities for entertainment, sports, recreation, tourism, and year-round events.
In 2017, Larimer County voters approved a 20-year extension of the dedicated 0.15% sales and use tax through 2039. That funding, combined with strategic partnerships and other financing tools, supports phased improvements across the campus while advancing The Ranch’s long-term goal of financial self-sufficiency.
In 2025, following extensive community engagement, market research, and analysis, the Board of County Commissioners endorsed an updated approach to the Master Plan that reflects evolving community needs and opportunities for The Ranch. The plan outlines the projects, phasing, funding strategies, and major investments that will guide the next stage of campus development.
Together, these improvements are designed to expand what The Ranch can offer, strengthen its regional economic impact, and prepare the campus to serve Northern Colorado for generations to come.
PLAN VISION AND GOALS
Vision Statement:
The Ranch Events Complex will serve as Northern Colorado’s premier destination for community, culture, and commerce. This vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable hub honors its agricultural heritage while driving innovation, entertainment, and economic vitality for generations to come.
The Plan’s Goals:
1. Deliver a state-of-the-art, multi-purpose event campus that meets the needs of varied audiences — from local community gatherings to major national events.
2. Engage stakeholders and community partners at every stage of planning and implementation to ensure transparent, and community-informed decisions.
3. Grow campus amenities sustainably and responsibly, aligning physical improvements with environmental stewardship, operational efficiency, and fiscal discipline.
4. Expand programming and partnerships that enhance quality of life, strengthen tourism, and generate economic benefits throughout Northern Colorado.
5. Ensure long-term financial sustainability by developing innovative business models, refining agreements, and strategically reinvesting in facilities and staff.
6. Create lasting economic opportunities for Larimer County residents and businesses, support local entrepreneurs, vendors, and workforce development.
7. Preserve and celebrate the site’s agricultural and cultural heritage, maintaining a strong connection to its origins while embracing the region’s growth.
8. Strengthen youth development opportunities by supporting 4-H, educational programming, and community partnerships that foster leadership, learning, and positive youth engagement.
PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT TO DEVELOP THE PLAN
The Ranch has maintained a strong commitment to community engagement throughout the planning and implementation process. Over 12,000 Larimer County residents have been engaged through surveys, open houses, town halls, and direct outreach efforts. Since 2018, multiple surveys and outreach campaigns have gathered valuable public input to help shape the vision and priorities for The Ranch including:
• Strategic Implementation Plan Community Survey (2018 – 2020)
• Approximately 20 stakeholder engagement meetings (2022 to 2025)
• Corona Insights Community Awareness Mail Survey (2023)
• Imagine the Future of The Ranch Events Complex Open Access Survey (2024+)
• Master Plan Community and engagement Open Access online Survey (October 2025+)
In addition to these surveys, The Ranch conducted ten public outreach/stakeholder engagement campaigns across Larimer County, hosted engagement booths at over 10 community events, and worked closely with advisory committees to guide ideas and priorities for the plan and support informed decision-making. Across all engagement activities, residents consistently emphasized priorities such as youth programs, flexible multi-use spaces, cultural access, concerts, rodeo/horse events, hockey and sports, and community festivals and affordability—values that continue to shape the future of The Ranch Events Complex.
ATTACHMENT – THE RANCH MASTER PLAN
Please refer to Attachment A – The Ranch Master Plan for more information.
RECOMMENDATION TO THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSION
Staff recommends that the Board of County Commission approve the adoption of The Ranch Master Plan. The plan :
• Provides a clear framework for the future of The Ranch property owned by Larimer County for the next five years and beyond,
• Includes the vision and goals, phasing summary of projects, and explanation of governance and implement, and
• Reflects a robust approach to public engagement, incorporating community input and addressing key concerns and continuing engagement for future phases.
SUGGESTED MOTION FOR THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS:
I move that the Board of County Commissioners adopt The Ranch Master Plan.