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Sweetwater Events Complex reports more than $30 million economic impact in 2024
Summary
Executive director Candy Pendleton told commissioners the events complex produced about $30 million in economic impact in 2024, driven largely by the National High School finals (about $11 million); she outlined facility upgrades, bookings and a finalized master plan.
Candy Pendleton, executive director of the Sweetwater Events Complex, reported a 2024 economic impact of just over $30 million, up from about $18.5 million in 2023. Pendleton said the National High School finals accounted for roughly $11 million of the 2024 total and noted year-round activity including nearly 23,984 RV camping nights.
"2024 economic impact was over $30,000,000 and that is obviously thanks to National High School finals," Pendleton said, and she reviewed capital improvements completed in 2024, including electrical upgrades, grandstand renovations and new booking software (EventPro) to better track reservations. Pendleton also said the facility finalized a master plan and will use phased design and budgets to prioritize future work.
Commissioners praised staff and asked about RV-space fees; Pendleton said event campground rates are generally $45 per night plus taxes and that most campground use is event driven rather than competing with local private campgrounds. She also said the events team is being strategic about recruiting while keeping workforce-housing needs for major projects in mind.
Next steps include final design and cost estimates from the master-plan architect, continued recruitment for high-impact events in 2025 and follow-up reports on Wyoming's Big Show and other confirmed rallies.
