The Caldwell Night Rodeo has unveiled its new announcer stand as the historic venue prepares to celebrate 101 years of being a keystone of the Caldwell community.
"What happens when a community comes together, you get behind something, and we can create something that will be everlasting in the community, that will be here for another 100 years, and will grow the sport of rodeo here in Caldwell, Idaho," said Edward Lodge, Caldwell Night Rodeo President.
I've been following this story from each phase through demolition and showing you the process through the construction. Idaho News 6 was the first media outlet to get the exclusive behind-the-scenes look of what the stand looks like from inside.
Caldwell Night Rodeo celebrates the opening of its new announcer stand
"The old announcer stand was built in the early 1960s, it had no air conditioning, it was hot, that's where that became a priority," said Kendra Dustin, Capital Campaign Manager for Caldwell Night Rodeo.
The completion of the announcer stand is just Phase 1 of a $7.5 million capital expansion project that many donors, including the city of Caldwell, have helped develop.
"When we started looking at the plans, we realized okay, if we are gonna do this, we have an opportunity to also include some premium skyboxes," said Dustin.
With skyboxes in the announcer stand, Phase 2 of the expansion project will also put skyboxes around the rodeo stands, which will also include views of the College of Idaho football field.
"And we are looking for where we can have win-wins. And when we can have a win-win at the College of Idaho and the Caldwell Night Rodeo, the community members are the ones [who] benefit the most," said Lodge.
Board leaders tell me the announcer stand costs around $3.5 million of the project. They are still in budget, and Phase 2 will start as soon as the 2025 rodeo closes its doors for the season. I asked what we can expect for Phase 3 in the coming years.
"And so phase 3 will really take that social piece into account," said Dustin.
Their hope is for those who just want to come to the rodeo, socialize, and be surrounded by friends, but also be at the rodeo— get an even greater experience in Croos Corner and other spots within the grounds.
"And we are really looking forward to not only meeting but exceeding the expectations of our fans who are the greatest fans in pro rodeo right here in Caldwell Idaho," said Lodge.
The Caldwell Night Rodeo kicks off on Monday next week, and Idaho News 6 will be in attendance.