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Cheyenne council backs PRCA relocation; supporters outline $60 million project with public and private funding
Summary
The Cheyenne governing body voted to support a resolution backing efforts to relocate the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association and its Hall of Fame to Cheyenne. Supporters told the council the project would rely on a mix of local, state and private funds and could generate roughly $800,000 annually in local sales tax once operations begin.
Cheyenne’s governing body voted March 9 to endorse a city application backing the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association’s proposed relocation and a Hall of Fame campus to the area. Supporters said the move would bring tourism dollars and local investment.
Katherine Wilkinson, a lobbyist working with Project Blue Moon, told the council the plan rests on a public-private financing package: a reported $15 million pledged by the Cheyenne Leans board, $15 million approved by the Wyoming Legislature from the special tourism and projects reserve (Account 446), and roughly $10 million in private sponsorships so far. “We expect the total project to be about $60 million,” Wilkinson said.
Betsy Hail, chief executive of Cheyenne Lead, said the PRCA would occupy a roughly 35‑acre campus within a larger Hitching Post District and called the association “a great first cornerstone project.” Hail asked the council for the endorsement as the group negotiates final site and development details.
Council members asked about projected economic impacts. Officials cited an estimate that the Hall of Fame and related museum and visitor programming could produce about $800,000 a year in local sales tax; state revenue estimates were still being worked on, supporters said. The resolution before the council was framed as an expression of local support rather than a pledge of final approvals or specific incentives.
The council approved the resolution by voice vote. Supporters said the relocation would boost regional tourism and jobs, while members and staff emphasized that any subsequent land use approvals, infrastructure commitments or incentives would require separate, itemized votes and permitting steps.
What happens next: city staff will remain engaged with PRCA representatives on site planning and any required permits; final project approvals and any city financial commitments would return to the council for separate votes.
