A Cold Wind, a Warm Beginning: The Ranch Breaks Ground on Its Next Chapter

The wind may have been brisk, but the spirit at The Ranch Events Complex was anything but cold.

On a chilly afternoon, on the east side of the Pedersen Toyota Building, a crowd gathered, coats zipped, and collars turned up. 

County officials, 4-H families, longtime residents, project partners, and Members of the Larimer County Sheriff’s Posse, including Posse Queen Alexis Badberg, attended fully mounted on their horses, stood shoulder to shoulder, watching as the story of The Ranch Events Complex turned a new page.

As someone who leads strategic communications for The Ranch Master Plan , and had the honor of hosting the ceremony that day,  I watched the crowd closely. 

The wind tugged at banners and hair, and the cold bit at every uncovered hand. People laughed, shifted their weight, and pulled their jackets closer, proof that some moments are worth standing in the cold for.

It wasn’t just a groundbreaking. It was a shared moment of pride and  a reminder of how deeply this place connects us all.

 

Honoring the Land and the Legacy

Instead of the clang of shovels against dirt, the ceremony began in reverence.
Smoke curled into the cold air as Cody Davenport of the Meskwaki Nation and members of the Iron Family stepped forward with sage, drum, and song,  an Indigenous blessing that honored the generations who cared for this land long before it bore The Ranch’s name.

The rhythm of the drum beat steadily against the wind, echoing through the crowd a reminder that every new beginning should start with gratitude.

“We take this time to bless this land, the machines, and the people so that all projects move forward in the way we all intend them to for our community,”
said Jan Iron, Fort Collins resident and member of the Iron Family.

For a few quiet moments, the noise of progress gave way to the hum of connection.

A Vision for the Future

Standing before the crowd, Commissioners Kristin Stephens, Jody Shadduck-McNally, and John Kefalas spoke not of construction, but of purpose.

Behind them, the soil lay freshly turned, ready to become the future home of the Larimer County Fair and the next great gathering place for Larimer County.

"Our vision for The Ranch has always centered on connection. It is about creating spaces where residents from across Larimer County can come together, share experiences, and build community,” said Commissioner Kristin Stephens. “Phase II will expand those opportunities while honoring the legacy of this important public space.”

Her words carried easily through the cold air, clear and deliberate.

“The Ranch Master Plan is more than just a roadmap for development. It represents a long-term investment in the health, vitality, and quality of life of our community,” said Commissioner Jody Shadduck-McNally. “It shows that we are planning not only for the needs of today, but also for the possibilities and growth that lie ahead.”

A few in the crowd smiled, recalling years of fairs and rodeos past, while others looked toward what’s still to come,  the energy and events that will soon fill this space once again.

“Phase II of The Ranch Master Plan demonstrates our commitment to thoughtful public service and responsible, long-term planning,” said Commissioner John Kefalas. ”This reflects sound financial stewardship and a deep respect for the public’s trust in how we manage resources.”

In that moment, it wasn’t about policy or construction. It was about people. It was about a county investing in itself, and honoring its past while building a future everyone can stand on.

A Symbolic Passing of the Reins

Representing the heart of Larimer County tradition, 2026 Larimer County Fair & PRCA Rodeo Queen Addyson Gregory and Miss Colorado Lady in Waiting Lindsey Fancher-Rule joined the Commissioners to present engraved horse reins, a symbol of “passing the reins” to those guiding Larimer County into its future.

Leather met palm; past met future. The simple exchange spoke louder than words: we move forward by honoring where we began.

Nearby, a section of underground pipe waited to be signed,  a quiet time capsule that will soon rest beneath the new Event Lawn, carrying the names and hopes of everyone who gathered that day. Above ground, a commemorative plaque will someday mark the place where progress took root.

The Soil Pour

When it was time to make it official, there were no gold shovels, just buckets of soil passed from hand to hand.

The wind swept through as guests lifted their buckets, poured together, and watched the soil scatter, settle, and return home.

It wasn’t performative. It was symbolic. The soil pour tying the day back to the land, a shared gesture of grounding and growth.

For every scoop poured, there was a story: of a kid who grew up performing in 4-H at The Ranch, a family who’s attended the Fair for twenty years, a business owner who’s hosted events here since the beginning.

Each handful said: We’re part of this too.

When the soil settled and the final signatures dried, the cold didn’t seem to matter anymore. What lingered instead was warmth,  the kind that comes from shared purpose and pride.

Phase II: Building the Future of The Ranch

Phase II builds on the success of Phase I by expanding the campus with new, modernized facilities designed to generate revenue and enhance community, economic, and visitor experiences. Key projects include:

• Event Lawn and Amphitheater: A flexible outdoor venue for concerts, festivals, and community gatherings that strengthens The Ranch’s role as a regional destination for live entertainment.
• Youth Sports and Hockey Complex: A state-of-the-art facility with three new ice sheets, meeting growing demand from local and regional sports leagues.
• Event Plaza Enhancements: A pedestrian-friendly plaza with outdoor seating, shade structures, and a community stage connecting key venues across campus.
• Blue Arena Improvements: Guest experience upgrades including new loge boxes, an expanded concourse, a redesigned Home Run Bar & Grill, and an open-air terrace.
• Wayfinding and Signage Upgrades: A campus-wide signage and monument program improving navigation, accessibility, and visibility.
• Infrastructure and Roadway Improvements: Parking, lighting, and pedestrian connectivity enhancements supporting both events and visitor flow.
• 100,000+ Square Foot Expo Hall: A new exhibition facility designed to host conventions, trade shows, and major regional and national events.
• 225-Room Hotel: An on-site hotel that enhances visitor convenience, extends event stays, and contributes to long-term economic sustainability.
• 72-Acre Campus Expansion: The County’s 72-acre property north of the main campus is designated for future growth, including potential youth sports expansion and workforce housing. Phase III brainstorming sessions launched in early 2025, with ongoing community input collected through the Imagine the Future of The Ranch survey.

Community Voices Shaping the Plan

Nearly a decade of public involvement has guided the Master Plan’s evolution. Since 2017, Larimer County has engaged more than 12,000 residents through surveys, open houses, and stakeholder meetings. Public input directly informed the addition of outdoor recreation spaces, youth sports amenities, and accessible community areas throughout the campus.

Together, these projects strengthen The Ranch’s role as a place where Northern Colorado connects, through celebration, culture, competition, and community.

Be Part of What’s Next

The Ranch’s story isn’t just about what’s being built; it’s about who it’s being built for. You.

Here’s how you can stay involved and shape the future of your community:

• 📨 Sign up for the Master Plan monthly newsletter to get the latest updates and stories.
• 🗣️ Share your voice — take The Ranch Master Plan Community Engagement & Communications Survey.
• 📖 Read more news and stories at treventscomplex.com/news.

Because what’s being built here isn’t just for the future,  it’s for everyone who calls Northern Colorado home.

Author’s Note

Portia Cook leads strategic communications and community engagement for The Ranch Master Plan, helping share the stories behind its growth and the people who make it possible.