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Sweetwater Events Complex reports $30 million economic impact in 2024, highlights upgrades and master plan
Summary
The Sweetwater Events Complex reported an estimated $30 million in local economic impact for calendar year 2024, driven largely by National High School Finals Rodeo; the complex outlined recent capital improvements and a completed master plan to guide future projects.
Candy Pendleton, executive director of the Sweetwater Events Complex, told the Board of County Commissioners on Feb. 18 that the complex produced an estimated $30.1 million in economic impact to Sweetwater County in 2024, driven primarily by the National High School Finals Rodeo and other large events.
Why it matters: The events complex attracts out-of-county visitors whose spending supports local businesses and lodging. Commissioners heard how event revenue and facility use offset a portion of the complex’s county allocation.
Key points - Economic impact: Pendleton reported about $30.1 million in county economic impact for 2024. National High School Finals Rodeo accounted for roughly $11 million of that total; Wyoming’s Big Show and other large events contributed additional major shares.
- Return on county investment: The complex said it received roughly $1.965 million in county allocation for operations (not counting capital) and estimated a county return on investment of about $15.50 for every $1 in county support based on the 2024 impact figure. The events complex’s operating budget for the year was about $4.5 million; the complex’s own revenues and event rents offset the county share.
- Capital and maintenance work: The complex completed electrical upgrades to the main stage, grandstand restroom and kitchen updates, new roofs on small buildings, and improvements to arenas and drainage. The complex also acquired EventPro booking software to improve scheduling.
- Master plan: KO Architects completed a master plan that lays out phased building layouts, cost estimates and priorities. Pendleton said the complex will pursue near-term repairs and smaller improvements while phasing larger capital projects.
- Campground and events: The complex reported nearly 24,000 nights of RV camping in 2024, 2,040 event days (up from prior years in part due to improved tracking) and a series of confirmed rallies and rodeos for 2025–2026. The complex emphasized public access to grounds and pedestrian amenities.
What commissioners said: Commissioners praised staff and volunteers, noted the role of the complex in local tourism and urged continued attention to deferred maintenance and capital planning.
Ending: The complex will present more detailed master-plan phasing and cost estimates as they become available and as the county’s capital planning process advances.
