The Ellensburg City Council has approved a $500,000 allocation to replace the grandstands at the Kittitas County Fairgrounds Rodeo Arena. The funding, approved on March 17, 2026, will support the replacement of the aging wooden structure, which has been a fixture at the Ellensburg Rodeo for decades.
The decision follows a recommendation from the city's Lodging Tax Advisory Committee, which reviews projects funded by hotel/motel tax revenue. The funds are designated for tourism-related capital projects, with the new grandstands aimed at improving safety and the visitor experience for the annual rodeo, a major regional event.
City officials cited the deteriorating condition of the current wooden grandstands as a primary reason for the investment. The project is part of broader efforts to maintain and upgrade the fairgrounds facilities. The total cost of the grandstand replacement project is estimated to be significantly higher, with the city's contribution intended to be matched by other funding sources.
The Ellensburg Rodeo, held each Labor Day weekend, is a Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) event and a central part of the community's identity and tourism economy. The new grandstands are expected to be a multi-year project, with construction timelines to be determined following further planning and securing of additional funds.
