Exposition Center at The Ranch
Expanding Capacity for Large-Scale Events, Trade Shows, and Gatherings
As part of Phase II of The Ranch Master Plan, Larimer County is planning a new Exposition Center to meet growing demand for large, flexible indoor event space in Northern Colorado. This facility is intended to support trade shows, expos, conferences, banquets, flat-floor sports, and large community gatherings that currently exceed the capacity of existing venues in the region.
The Exposition Center would expand The Ranch’s ability to host multi-day, high-impact events while strengthening its role as a regional destination for business, tourism, recreation, and community activity.
Exposition Center Overview
The proposed Exposition Center is envisioned as a modern, large-format indoor venue designed to accommodate a wide range of uses and audiences, including exhibitors, conference attendees, event producers, athletes, community organizations, and regional partners.
Planned Exposition Center components may include:
- 100,000+ square feet of flexible multi-event space
- Configurable layouts to support expos, trade shows, conferences, banquets, and flat-floor sports such as basketball, volleyball, pickleball, and more
- Multi-use meeting and event support spaces
- Pre-function and circulation areas to support efficient guest flow
- Loading docks and back-of-house operations areas
- Storage and event operations support rooms
- Integrated utilities, power, and technology to support large-scale events
- Connectivity to the broader Ranch campus, Event Plaza, and other Phase II amenities
Final design, layout, and operational features will be refined through the planning and development process.
Project Status
The Exposition Center is a Phase II project currently in schematic design. During this phase, the project team is evaluating program components, spatial needs, site considerations, and integration with the broader campus.
Additional details, including anticipated timelines for public use, project sequencing, and delivery, will be shared as the project progresses. All Phase II Master Plan projects are anticipated to be completed by 2030.
Why the Exposition Center Matters
The Exposition Center plays an important role in advancing the long-term goals of The Ranch Master Plan by:
- Expanding capacity for large-scale indoor events and flat-floor sports that cannot currently be accommodated locally.
- Helping retain and attract trade shows, expos, conferences, tournaments, and other regional events.
- Supporting multi-day events that drive overnight stays and visitor spending.
- Increasing The Ranch’s competitiveness with peer regional destinations.
- Generating economic activity that supports local businesses, hotels, and hospitality partners.
- Contributing to the Master Plan’s goal of long-term financial sustainability
Together with other Phase II investments, the Exposition Center represents a strategic opportunity to strengthen Northern Colorado’s event and recreation infrastructure while delivering lasting community and economic value.