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Feasibility study finds Payson indoor rodeo would be costly to build and operate; council keeps study for future opportunities
Summary
A $50,000 ARPA-funded feasibility study found an indoor rodeo/equestrian complex would likely need roughly 100 acres, cost $96M–$152M to build (land excluded) and could run an operating deficit; councilors discussed partnerships and left the study on the shelf for possible future opportunities.
City planners presented the results of a $50,000 feasibility study, funded by a Utah tourism-office ARPA grant, on the potential for a regional indoor rodeo and equestrian complex.
The consultant compared similar facilities and estimated construction costs between $96 million and $152 million (land excluded) and operating revenues in the range of about $828,000 to $1.2 million with projected operating losses of roughly $250,000–$470,000 — figures consistent with comparable arenas nationwide. Staff also said a full facility would likely need about 100 acres to accommodate buildings, parking and support uses, and that projected direct and indirect regional spending could range from $13 million to $19 million with possible tax revenue up to $1.3 million.
Councilors expressed mixed views. One councilor who described herself as an accountant said she saw a likely negative revenue stream and was skeptical Payson could afford the project without major partnerships or private philanthropy; other councilors said the study provides a road map should a funding opportunity or partner emerge. City staff said the study, paid entirely by the ARPA grant, cost the city nothing directly and that it will remain a resource if a viable partner or grant opportunity appears.
