The Ranch 2026 Amended Master Plan DRAFT
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) builds on past success and outlines the next 10–15 years for the 315-acre Larimer County fairgrounds and event campus in Loveland, Colorado. It provides a shared vision for transforming The Ranch into a year-round destination for entertainment, sports, and community gathering—reflecting the spirit of Northern Colorado and bringing people together in new and inspiring ways.
In 2017, Larimer County voters approved a 20-year extension of the dedicated 0.15% sales tax, which will sustain The Ranch through 2039. Combined with strategic partnerships, this funding enables transformative improvements while keeping operations financially self-sufficient and not dependent on new taxes. The updated Master Plan guides how the campus will grow to support blended entertainment, recreation, tourism, and community uses.
In 2025, following extensive community engagement and analysis, the Board of County Commissioners endorsed this updated approach as a thoughtful response to evolving community needs—positioning The Ranch as a premier regional destination. The plan’s implementation is backed by the voter-approved sales tax extension and complementary financing strategies, ensuring improvements can move forward without increasing the local tax burden.
The plan outlines funding strategies, project phases, and major improvements planned over the next five years.
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.
PLAN PROJECTS AND PHASING
Projects Completed through 2024 (Phase I)
This plan builds on The Ranch Master Plan Phase I (2019–2024), which focused on foundational community facilities, including:
• A 4-H, Youth, and Community Arena
• 95 RV parking lot and hook-ups
• Trailer parking
• Lighted intersections
• Equestrian center upgrades and expansion
• New and improved roads, and
• The acquisition of 72 adjacent acres of land for expansion.
The Next 5 Years (Phase II)
With those foundations laid, the 2025 Master Plan Update shifts toward strategic growth and community integration. It outlines Phase II (2025–~2030) – a period of concurrent projects focused on active outdoor event spaces, modern upgrades to facilities, and new venues that will help generate revenue to make The Ranch financially self-sufficient, including:
• Event lawn expansion and outdoor amphitheater
• Event plaza and civil infrastructure, wayfinding, and sign enhancements
• 4-H outdoor archery range
• Youth hockey and sports facility
• Blue Arena event center expansion and modernization
• New convention / exposition center (through Public/Private partnership)
• Full-service hotel (through Public/Private partnership)
After 2030 (Phase III)
Phase III will continue to be informed by recent and ongoing community input for a forward-looking vision to expand The Ranch’s benefit beyond events. For instance, support year-round youth sports and address other community needs.
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.