Phase I

Phase I: Community-Driven Foundations

Explore how Phase I investments laid the groundwork for what's next. 

Phase I delivered the foundational improvements needed to support youth, nonprofit, and community access while preparing The Ranch campus for future growth. Each project was shaped by direct community input and reflects Larimer County’s core values of accessibility, tradition, and public service. From expanded arenas to new infrastructure, these upgrades set the stage for long-term impact, benefiting local families, event partners, and future generations.

Phase I Projects

Arena Circle & Roadway Improvements

 

To improve traffic flow and visitor safety, Arena Circle was relocated to the perimeter of the campus in summer 2023. Two new signalized entrances—at Andalusian Drive and Fairgrounds Avenue—were added, and three internal roads were constructed to streamline event circulation:

• Richard Rule Road (adjacent to the 4-H Arena).

• Show Ring Road (trailer access to The Ranch Event Equestrian Center).

• Clydesdale Parkway (southern access to Crossroads Blvd).

These improvements have made it easier and safer for guests to attend large events like the Colorado Eagles, Larimer County Fair & PRCA Rodeo,  and multi-arena equine and livestock shows. The original Arena Circle now serves as a service road for vendors and event logistics, and will be converted to programmable event space in future phases.

 

4-H, Youth, & Community Arena 

Opened in April 2024, this 41,000-square-foot indoor arena was purpose-built to support year-round livestock and agricultural programming for local youth, schools, and community partners.

The facility includes:

• A 125 x 200 ft indoor arena with bleacher seating and storage.

• An Interactive smart classroom.

• A Wash Bay Demonstration Classroom.

• Support facilities like restrooms, offices, and lobby space.

Since opening, the 4-H, Youth, & Community Arena has hosted 100+ events and welcomed 1,800+ youth and community participants, including:

• Livestock practices and showmanship clinics.

• 4-H and FFA educational events.

• Community ag days and county-wide trainings.

By offering the Larimer County 4-H Clubs access without cost to high-quality facilities, this arena is helping grow the next generation of agricultural leaders in Larimer County.

 

The Ranch Equestrain Center

To meet demand for high-capacity events, the warm-up area of The Ranch Event Equestrian Center was expanded and modernized to better serve commercial equestrian events, professional rodeos, and regional qualifiers.

Key upgrades include:

• A 90 x 200 ft warm-up space, more than doubling capacity.

• Covered walkways connect key pavilions for weather protection.
  Rebuilt West Pavilion amenities, including:

  • ADA-accessible restrooms.
    New wash racks.

  • A redesigned storefront and entry.

Since reopening, the facility has supported 60+ events with 2,100+ participants, enabling smoother operations, larger class sizes, and a more welcoming experience for both local and traveling event guests.

 

Outdoor Riding Arena

 

Located next to the 4-H, Youth, and Community Arena, this new 100 x 200 ft open-air arena replaced the former Round-Up Arena and is now used for:

• Riding clinics and horse shows.

• Roping, barrel racing, and speed events.

• Warm-up space and youth sports crossover events.

The arena can function as a standalone venue or complement other indoor spaces during major shows, offering maximum flexibility for event organizers and increasing The Ranch’s ability to host simultaneous, high-volume events.

 

RV Hookups

To meet the needs of traveling participants and multi-day events, 95 new RV sites were added, featuring:

• Full electric service (50-, 30-, and 20-amp hookups).

• Water and sewer at 40 sites.

• A central dump station for all others.

These RV sites are used during events like:

• The Larimer County Fair.

• Barrel racing weekends.

• Multi-day livestock, horse, and dog shows.
  Youth tournaments and festivals.

Since installation, they’ve served 500+ guests, making The Ranch a more competitive and self-contained destination for regional and national event planners.