The City and County of Denver, Mayor Mike Johnston and the National Western Center today announced a transformative step forward in the development of the National Western Center campus: the launch of the Equestrian Center, Hotel, Housing, and Parking Garage project. This milestone, which was approved by City Council on Monday, marks the final asset required to complete the initial phases of the 2015 voter-approved master plan and opens the door to further development in the Triangle.
Denver Mayor Mike Johnston
“There is no more cherished tradition in Denver than the Stock Show,” said Mayor Mike Johnston. “Today, we are further committing to carrying that feeling throughout the rest of the year with events, entertainment, and a renewed dedication to putting people to work and improving the lives of neighbors through sustained – and lasting – trust and partnership.”
The initiative will expand the campus’s capacity to host year-round programming by building a new 4,500 seat Equestrian Center, 160-room hotel, and income-restricted workforce housing and a parking garage.
“This is a landmark moment for the National Western Center,” said Brad Buchanan, CEO of the National Western Center Authority. “With this next phase, we are honoring a commitment made to voters and unlocking a future filled with opportunity, innovation, and community connection.”
A recent economic impact study for the National Western Center and co-located CSU Spur campus estimates that – over a five-year period of 2022-2027 – the site contributes nearly $3 billion in GDP for Colorado, over $2.1 billion in personal income, and supports more than 11,000 jobs. The Equestrian Center Project plays a key role in those projections. Funding for the project primarily comes from a dedicated revenue stream, which was approved by voters in 2015.
“Our goal has always been to build more than just buildings — we’re building a place that brings people together for the best 16 days in January and beyond,” said Wes Allison, President and CEO of the National Western Stock Show. “The new Equestrian Center will provide year-round opportunities to attract not only equine enthusiasts but also some of the nation’s most prestigious horse shows to Denver. It will solidify Denver’s reputation as a premier destination with state-of-the-art facilities designed to serve the industry and community for generations to come.”
“The new Equestrian Center is a natural extension of the work already happening at CSU Spur, where we focus on the intersection of animal and human health, water, and food systems,” said Jocelyn Hittle, Associate Vice President of CSU Spur. “This facility will not only elevate equine science and care, but also create opportunities for education, research, and community engagement that align perfectly with our mission to inspire and educate, while tackling the world’s most pressing challenges through collaboration and innovation.”
Construction on the Equestrian Center project is slated to begin in fall 2025, with community engagement continuing throughout the full campus build-out.
This is one of three major initiatives advanced by the Mayor’s Office and approved by City Council in the last month, following the approval of the Park Hill acquisition and the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) intergovernmental agreement in May.