The new and improved Hailey rodeo arena will be open for business on July 15, following a grand opening for the Fourth of July Days of the Old West Rodeo.
City officials have established rental policies for the 3,000-seat "multi-use" arena, allowing concerts, youth programs and small-scale events. The city hopes that events at the arena will at least cover the costs of operations and maintenance. It also hopes to host a diverse group of events, from tractor pulls to 4-H clubs.
Under a separate agreement, the Sawtooth Rangers will use the arena for three weekends each summer, before, during and after the Fourth of July. The rest of the summer weekends are up for grabs, as are weekdays from Monday to Thursday.
The new, lighted facility will have a concession stand and restrooms. Event producers must cover all costs, including any set-up and clean-up efforts requiring assistance from city staff.
For weekend events, the facility will rent for $500 per day. An additional $250 per day, including set-up and clean-up days, will be charged for the concession area.
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A day is defined as midnight to midnight.
Ticketed events will be subject to an additional $1 per ticket fee on tickets up to $20. For more expensive tickets, the arena will charge an additional 5 percent on the portion of the price over the minimum $20. For example, an event with a $45 ticket would pay $2.25 to the city of Hailey for each ticket sold.
The arena can be reserved for weekend events as far in advance as sponsors wish. A refundable security of deposit of $500 plus half the rental fee is due when the reservation is made.
Reservations may be made for smaller weekday events up to 30 days in advance, with the total fee payable at the time of the reservation. The fee for events without livestock for 50 people or fewer is $25.
For events involving livestock, the fee is $100. A maximum of 10 animals will be allowed.
The fee is $250 for weekday youth events with more than 50 attendees, such as 4-H club and high school events. Restrooms will be opened for free.
For more information or to secure a rental agreement form, call Hailey City Hall at 788-4221.
Tony Evans: tevans@mtexpress.com
