17TH ANNUAL MARGARITA & SALSA FESTIVAL
The Extraco Events Center, home of the Heart Of Texas Fair & Rodeo, is the center of entertainment in Central Texas. In the early 1950s, McLennan County voters elected to put $1.2 million towards a new entertainment and agricultural venue, culminating in the construction of the iconic Coliseum and surrounding grounds in 1953. Today, its mission to produce events for education, entertainment and agricultural experiences while giving back through youth scholarships has had a positive outcome for Central Texans. The premier facilities host over 225 events with an attendance of 420,000 and a $40 million economic impact annually.
In August 2010, officials announced that Extraco Banks signed a long-term naming rights deal, officially changing the name of the grounds to the Extraco Events Center.
Extraco Banks has a long history of being a great community partner for the Heart Of Texas Fair Complex, said Wes Allison, President and CEO of the new Extraco Events Center. We're thrilled to partner with a locally owned community bank in this historic endeavor." This new naming rights deal follows the June announcement of a master plan for the grounds, which includes expanded har d surface parking lots, equestrian facility extension, a new larger exposition hall to replace the two halls and a hotel site. Part of Extraco's mission is to touch the lives of our friends and neighbors in our communities, added James Geeslin, Vice Chairman of Extraco Banks. What better way to live that mission than through the sponsorship of McLennan County's premier entertainment and agricultural venue?The Heart O' Texas Coliseum was constructed after voters of the county had authorized a bond issue of $1,200,000 in the early 1950s. Despite public criticism that might be directed toward the board and individual members, it was the board's unanimous decision to build portions of the entire plant that the available money would permit. The last of five contracts was signed on January 9, 1952, and construction of the Coliseum began soon afterward. The Coliseum, livestock barn, ticket booths and several small buildings were constructed, paving was done and fencing enclosed the grounds. In the spring of 1953, the Coliseum was completed, and on April 11th, the formal opening was held.
All facilities and grounds of the Fair Complex underwent renovations and/or reconstruction throughout the years of 2000 to 2005. The Complex now covers 50 acres of land containing modernized facilities, 700 stalls, 250 RV hook-ups and parking areas able to accommodate over 3800 vehicles. Its facilities consist of the Heart Of Texas Coliseum, Back Porch Club, Show Pavilion, General Exhibits Building, Creative Arts Building and the recently constructed Stall Barn.
On August 24, 2010, Fair officials announced that Extraco Banks signed a long-term naming rights deal, officially changing the name of the grounds to the Extraco Events Center. This new naming rights deal follows the June announcement of a master plan for the grounds, which includes expanded hard surface parking lots, equestrian facility extension, a new larger exposition hall to replace the two halls and a hotel site. The coliseum is getting a make-over with a new large back-lit sign of the Extraco Events Center name above the main entrance. Additional lit signage will also be added to the East and West sides, as well as updated signage throughout the grounds. Installation should be completed in time for the annual Heart Of Texas Fair & Rodeo in October. The iconic hearts on the North and South ends of the coliseum will remain.
Click here for more information on how to become a Heart O' Texas Fair & Rodeo volunteer.
Mission Statement: Our mission is to produce events for education, entertainment and agricultural experiences at the premier multi-use facility while giving back through youth scholarships and a positive economic impact to Central Texas.
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