SUNDRE – The Sundre rodeo grounds are getting a major upgrade in the form of a new VIP grandstand that is under construction and once finished will also include an improved announcers’ booth.
“Things are going extremely well,” said Scott Smith, vice-president of the Sundre Rodeo and Race Association.
Speaking with the Albertan on May 21, he said the association had been informed by the contractor that the project was six days ahead of schedule and was expected to be completed prior to the first performance on June 19.
“Everything seems to be right on track,” he said.
At the time of the interview, there had been some rain in the forecast that had to be factored into the plans.
“There’s some concrete to be poured. But I understand that they’ll probably tarp everything and heat everything just to make sure that there’s no possible damage of any rain slowing the pour down.”
There may come showtime remain a few finishing touches to complete such as putting up fence panelling or signage, but the bulk of the project is expected to be done on time.
“I’m sure the way things go, it’ll be right to the final moment. But we’re optimistic that everything will be completed and we’re pretty excited about being able to unveil it for this year’s rodeo.”
While any outstanding items that don’t get done will certainly be fine-tuned leading up to next year’s event, “we’re fairly confident that what people will see will be pretty close to the final product,” he said.
The exact number of VIP spectators the grandstand will accommodate was not immediately known, but it is anticipated that there will be room for more than 200 rodeo fans, he said.
As well, a new and improved announcers’ booth was factored into the redesign and will be situated atop of the grandstand.
“The nice thing about the new announcers’ booth is that it’s central; it’ll be right behind all eight chutes,” he said.
“The former announcer’s booth was off to one side, so this will provide certainly a better viewing point for our announcers,” he said, adding the booth will feature a full 360-degree view courtesy of windows on all sides.
“It’ll provide a far greater opportunity for our announcers to call the action.”
As well, the former VIP seating area was relocated on the south end of the grounds.
During last year’s rodeo sponsors barbecue when the project was announced, organizers revealed that a $125,000 grant from the provincial government’s Community Facility Enhancement Program facilitated the big upgrade.
