Master Plan
Learn more about current projects at The Ranch!
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The Ranch's Master Plan — Looking Toward the Future
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Since opening in 2003, The Ranch Events Complex has served as a monumental landmark for Larimer County residents and citizens. It has developed a reputation as one of the premier event facilities in the region and serves as a major economic driver for the County by hosting regional and national events that attract out of town visitors.
The Ranch operates in a highly competitive environment that is continuously changing on all fronts. As such the County took a very proactive approach to keep the facility competitive and prepare for the future by creating a community-driven master plan in 2017. Larimer County citizens approved an extension of the 0.15% dedicated sales and use tax to expand and enhance The Ranch facilities based on the master plan. This plan was heavily influenced by The Ranch’s vision statement.
The Ranch is Larimer County’s premier event and entertainment complex that hosts a wide variety of events such as indoor arena events, sporting events, the Larimer County Fair and PRCA Rodeo, 4-H and C.S.U. Extension programs, outdoor concerts and events, trade shows and commercial events, as well as many business and community meetings. It is a community gathering place, with long-standing agricultural roots and pride of ownership expressed in the high quality of the facilities, programs, and services. These experiences improve the lives of Larimer County citizens.
The Ranch staff, with help from a consulting team, explored the approved 2017 master plan and recommended the best path to move forward with an implementation plan. The analysis included an extensive market study, multiple stakeholder meetings, recommendations for any overlooked programming opportunities, concept designs for the recommended projects, an in-depth analysis of the recommended programs and an extensive economic model.
The culmination of that research identified multiple projects to move forward with as an implementation plan. The projects identified were based on the greatest cost-benefit for the County and the most community support from the stakeholders and the community. These projects include:
1. Relocation of Arena Circle to the outer edge of the current parking, and to create new entrance and exit points on the southeast and northern edge of the property:
- Status as of December 2023: The Ranch Events Complex has completed the relocation of its main roadway, Arena Circle, and added three new internal roads (Richard Rule Road, Show Ring Road and Clydesdale Parkway) to improve access to the complex. Visitors will enter and exit the complex through the relocated Arena Circle and Andalusian Drive.
2. Construction of a new 114,000-square-foot flat floor trade show facility. Hotel partner.
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Status as of September 2024: In lieu of a new 114,000-square-foot trade show facility, we are currently researching opportunities to expand the current Exhibition Hall to include a 114,000-square-foot flat floor facility with contiguous space. This change reflects recently updated market studies and the shift away from using this space for 4-H or community events due to the continued use of the McKee building and the future 4-H, Youth and Community Livestock Arena. The Ranch released a request for proposals for the hotel project in early 2022 and received no interest from the private sector. We are currently investigating why potential developers did not show interest and are developing next steps for the future of this project.
3. Construction of a recreational sports complex to house three ice sheets and a natatorium (indoor swimming pool).
- The Ranch team issued an RFP in August 2023 for a new Event Arena and Youth Hockey Training Center, which will feature a new events arena with three ice sheets attached to the main building. For the natatorium, we are working closely with our neighbors in Fort Collins and Loveland to ensure we are not duplicating efforts for public facilities. We will continue to support the development of a recreational natatorium in Larimer County either at The Ranch or at a partner facility.
4. Expansion of the equine and livestock facilities to include a new barn and covered show arena.
- Status as of December 2023: This project has been completed through the expansion of the MAC, Equipment, Inc. Indoor Arena. The West Pavilion wash racks were relocated to the north side of the pavilion in July 2023 to accommodate the expanded, covered warm-up arena, which returned to use in October 2023. We are now adding a fenced back-of-house area to the completed MAC Pavilions and warm-up arena. This project is due for completion in 2025.
5. Construction of a new event center arena with a capacity of approximately 10,000 seats to replace the existing Blue Arena. Alternatively, should financing not be secured from the private sector for a new arena, we would move forward with renovations to the existing Blue Arena.
- Status of December 2023: The Ranch team issued an RFP for a new Event Arena and Youth Hockey Training Center in August 2023. The new Event Arena will have three additional ice sheets for recreational sports.
The master plan is continuously evolving and is intended to adjust to the current and projected market to create a place for all Larimer County residents to enjoy.
In addition, an alternative project was identified should financing be secured to support it:
1. A dive well with platform diving as part of the warm-up pool.
- Status as of December 2023: We are working closely with our neighbors in Fort Collins and Loveland to ensure we are not duplicating efforts for public facilities. We will continue to support the development of a recreational natatorium in Larimer County either at The Ranch or at a partner facility.
6. Event Lawn expansion and outdoor amphitheater.
Expanding Our Venue for the Future
After revisiting the initial feedback from our community, one request stood out: more outdoor events and festivals. In response, we are excited to announce the expansion of the courtyard into a Great Lawn, designed to host a wide range of activities. This new space will feature additional amenities such as restrooms, concessions, outdoor pavilions, and a state-of-the-art amphitheater. The amphitheater will serve as a versatile venue, perfect for larger concerts, dining experiences, and even outdoor movie nights.
This project has started and The transformation will be complete by 2026, with the Great Lawn at the heart of a venue designed for greater community engagement and year-round events.
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Newsletters
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Keep up to date on the Master Plan by receiving our monthly construction newsletter! The Ranch’s monthly construction newsletter features the most up to date information on the Master Plan and current activities occurring at The Ranch.