Virginia City invests $250,000 in new arena and fairgrounds venue
Submitted by editor on Mon, 03/30/2015 - 11:14am
Virginia City’s economic vitality is getting a shot in the arm with the addition of a new event venue designed to accommodate nearly 5,000.
For a place dating back more than 150 years, Virginia City attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. Many are drawn to the historic Comstock town for its rich history; many others attend one of the unique events that make up the annual calendar including the Rocky Mountain Oyster Fry, the International Camel & Ostrich Races or the Outhouse Races.
But for anyone who has ever visited Virginia City, the town is perched on the side of a hill and therefore has limited options for expansion, especially when considering the impact of the terrain on visitors. However, for two major events that will change with the addition of the new Virginia City Arena and Fairgrounds.
“Over the last three years with the incredible growth of several of our special events, especially those that have received regional and national attention, it has become obvious we needed to start thinking of long-term solutions if we wanted to continue to meet the demands,” Deny Dotson, tourism director for the Virginia City Tourism Commission, said. “With limited expansion options available, Storey County Tourism officials identified several privately owned parcels and are working on a long term agreement to develop a new facility to accommodate a handful of our current events, but also pave the way for our future. Events are something that this town relies on heavily for visitation and this is going to make a difference.”
The Virginia City Arena and Fairgrounds is located three blocks southeast of the main C Street on F Street on a flat 15 acre parcel. The venue has the capability to accommodate the upcoming Virginia City Grand Prix, April 25 – 26, and the International Camel Races, Sept. 11-13, as well as concerts, rodeos and more. The estimated cost over the next three years to bring the venue up to speed is more than $250,000 and includes rental costs, ground work and purchase of an arena and seating.
According to Dotson, “Anyone who had been to our races over the last several years is familiar with the obstacles our patrons faced. Our new venue means more accessibility, ease of access for attendees, better and more parking options, shuttle transportation to Virginia City’s main street, more racing value with a circular arena versus the horseshoe previously used, and improved handicapped and stroller access. We’ve just upped the ante.”
The development and location selected was also prompted by the recent improvements made by V&T Railroad of the V&T Passenger Depot. “It’s evident the investment the V&T Railroad has made and it only enhances what we’re looking to accomplish. It also means increased attention for two of our other main attractions, the Comstock Gold Mill and the Chollar Mine located in the same area.”
For more information on Virginia City, Nev. visit VisitVirginiaCityNV.com or call the Virginia City Tourism Commission (VCTC) at 775-847-7500.
A short 45-minute drive from the Reno-Tahoe International Airport takes visitors to one of the largest historic districts in the United States - Virginia City, Nev. Come experience this mining “boomtown” as it was in the 1800’s. Step back in time while visiting the numerous historic buildings, saloons, churches and museums or take a mine tour or even ride a real steam train. The Comstock Adventure Passes offer the best value with discounted attraction packages. For lodging, event calendar or Comstock Adventure Passes, visit online or call 775-847-7500. The Visitor Information Center is located at 86 South C Street, Virginia City.
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