BENTON COUNTY, Wash. – The Benton County Fairgrounds, a staple of the Tri-Cities area for over 75 years, is set to undergo significant upgrades thanks to a $15 million investment.
Fairgrounds Director Tom French explained that the funding comes from the Role Economic Development Fund, a federal program managed by the Economic Development Agency. “It’s money that cities and counties can use, for, to, to build or to help, economic development in the county,” said French.
The fairgrounds have played a vital role in the community’s history, with the McDaniel Arena standing as a unifying place since the late 60s. Now, more than 50 years later, the arena is getting a multi-million dollar makeover.
French emphasized the importance of modernizing the facility while preserving its heritage. “The thought behind that is this community is it’s growing. And as we grow and we’re trying to attract larger events to the arena,” he said.
The upgrades will focus on improving accessibility and safety. “We’re starting off the parking lot that was originally gravel. That’s been paved over. We’re turning that into a parking lot,” French stated.
He also mentioned plans to remodel and expand the bleachers, which are showing signs of wear and tear. French believes these improvements will have a lasting economic impact on the community. “Anytime we can bring a larger event to the Tri-Cities, and put people in the hotels, you know, so they’re spending money in our hotels, they’re spending money in the restaurants. They’re spending money in the stores… It benefits the entire community as a whole,” he said.
As the fairgrounds look to the future, French and his team are committed to creating a more accessible and family-friendly environment. “While we’re honoring the legacy that the fairgrounds have provided to the Tri-Cities, we also need to modernize it and make it more accessible, safer. More family friendly environment,” he added.
The community eagerly anticipates the changes, which promise to preserve the fairgrounds’ rich history while paving the way for future growth and development.
