UPDATE: September 16 at 8:00 p.m.
Ground has been broken for the much-anticipated upgrades at Benton Franklin Fair and Rodeo’s McDaniel Arena.
The ceremony this afternoon marked the start of construction on the arena’s grandstands. The project aims to double seating capacity from 3,000 to 6,000 with a new grandstand structure.
Modernizing restroom facilities and enhancing public access to key amenities are also part of the plans. The south side of the arena, known as Over the Chutes, will remain in place.
The upgrades will improve air and sound quality, addressing wear and tear from decades of use. The arena is expected to host larger scale events by 2026.
KENNEWICK, Wash. – Benton County is inviting the community to a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the beginning of construction on the grandstands at McDaniel Arena, located in the Benton County Fairgrounds and Event Center.
The Benton County Fairgrounds and McDaniel Arena have been community cornerstones for more than 75 years, attracting visitors and boosting economic growth.
The current infrastructure is aging and requires critical updates. The remodel will ensure the Fairgrounds and Event Center remain safe and capable of hosting larger events, the county said in a release.
The project will begin with a multiphase approach. Parking lot improvements, costing $3 million, have been completed as of July 2025. These improvements focused on accessibility, lighting and safety.
The second phase involves $12 million in upgrades to the grandstands at McDaniel Arena. The seating capacity will double from 3,000 to 6,000 with a new grandstand structure. Restroom facilities will be modernized and public access will be enhanced.
The upgrades are expected to be completed by July 2026, ready to host larger events.
The groundbreaking ceremony is set to take place September 16 at 1:00 p.m.
ORIGINAL COVERAGE: SEPTEMBER 10 at 7:10 p.m.
