Fair Grounds, new rodeo arena coming to the Cowboy Capital of the World.

By SARA VANDEN BERGE

Erath County will soon have something new to hang its hat on: Fair Grounds and a brand new rodeo arena thanks to a partnership between the Cowboy Capital Pro Rodeo Committee and the city of Stephenville.

“We want this to be a community-based place for rodeos, carnivals and stock shows in a county fair-type setting,” committee member Chad Decker told Beneath the Surface News.

The Fair Grounds will be built on land already owned by the city on Hwy. 67 about five miles east of Hard Eight BBQ.

“The city of Stephenville purchased the property for its water rights and is drilling several municipal wells on the property,” Chad said. “The city is interested in what’s below the surface and we are in interested in what’s above the surface, so it’s a perfect fit.”

The committee began looking for a new home for the annual Cowboy Capital of the World PRCA Rodeo several months ago after learning that Lone Star Arena will be closing down as an equine facility.

“We found out about that right before our last rodeo,” Chad said. “Losing Lone Star Arena is a big loss for the community and it means we no longer have a home for the rodeo.”

So, Chad began working with Stephenville Mayor Doug Svien and other council members to come up with a new plan and now the committee and city have entered into a long-term lease.

The pre-manufactured outdoor arena has been purchased from McCoy’s Building Supply and is set to be installed at the end of December.

A donation has also been made for a grandstand that will include seating for 4,000 to 5,000 people.

The plan is to have the Fair Grounds ready in time to host Tarleton State University’s annual rodeo in April.

"This is a community effort and we are looking for anyone who wants to contribute monetarily, with supplies or through blood, sweat and tears,” Chad said. “This is going to be something everyone can be proud of and the Cowboy Capital of the World can hang their hat on.”

For more information about the project, call Chad Decker at 254-592-6783, Ben Clements at 432-349-2572 or James Andrae at 817-319-9229.