Construction Deadlines: What’s the Progress on The Lubbock County Expo Center?

I feel like you couldn't take three steps in Lubbock without overhearing something about the future Expo Center, but now it's just been crickets for the past few months. What's the deal?

Don't worry, the Expo Center is still in the works, it was approved by voters after all.

Lubbock County Expo Center Progress

Way back in 2018, voters in Lubbock County checked yes on the construction of this massive project which, at one point, was estimated to have a price tag of roughly $92 million.

Everything Lubbock includes updates from the Lubbock County Expo Center Chairman, Randy Jordan. He says that phase one consists of spending between $42M - $45M.

"Up to date, we're at about $25 million as far as what we need to make up that difference there. So, we're still about 20 million dollars short," Jordan stated.

The Expo Center website states that they intended to begin construction in 2024, but that timeframe will have to be extended a bit.

Why the Massive Price Tag for the Expo Center?

It turns out that this huge 430,000 sq. ft. building will include a multitude of facilities like an arena, an exhibit hall and hundreds of horse stalls.

The proposed arena will be home to a number of events that range from rodeos and concerts to motocross. With seating that can hold a total of 9,000 attendees and enough concessions and restrooms for everyone to be comfortable, the 200,000 sq. ft. arena will surely be a hit.

The exhibit hall is meant to host livestock events, banquets, and trade shows with climate-controlled ventilation and a state-of-the-art sound system.

Throw that all in with 300 10x10 horse stalls, and you've got yourself a hit location that is sure to draw folks from all over the Lone Star State and farther.

The first hurdle, of course, is money. There are actually a few fundraising events this year where they hope to raise the necessary funds for construction, such as their annual "Exponanza".

You can learn more about construction deadlines, fundraising goals, and venue facilities on the Lubbock County Expo Center website.