Arizona Lawmakers Secure $15M to Revitalize World’s Oldest Rodeo Site

After two years of legal delays and political setbacks, Representatives Quang Nguyen and Selina Bliss of Arizona’s Legislative District 1 have successfully secured $15 million in state budget funding to revitalize Prescott’s historic rodeo grounds—just in time for the annual World’s Oldest Rodeo, now underway.

The funding, included in Arizona’s newly enacted budget, is earmarked specifically for long-overdue infrastructure improvements at the city-owned grounds. These upgrades will address essential systems including bathrooms, parking, drainage, and aging water and sewer lines.

“This funding finally delivers the economic benefits we fought for two years ago,” said Rep. Nguyen. “If the city hadn’t taken this to court, the upgrades could already be finished. We could be celebrating this year’s rodeo in a fully updated arena with better bleachers, bathrooms, and access for families and visitors. But despite the delay, we stayed the course and got it done.”

Originally secured by Nguyen and Bliss in 2023, the rodeo grounds funding was frozen after the City of Prescott filed a legal challenge over the allocation process. This year, the lawmakers reintroduced the funding with stronger, enforceable language to ensure the money is used specifically for infrastructure improvements and the promotion of public access.

“This is a win for Prescott and all of Arizona,” said Rep. Bliss. “The rodeo grounds haven’t seen meaningful improvements in 40 years. This is a jewel of Prescott, and it’s long overdue for renovation. These funds will help preserve a site that draws tens of thousands of visitors every year and upholds the state’s values of hard work, self-reliance, and community.”

The World’s Oldest Rodeo, which has run every year since 1888, is a signature event not just for Prescott but for the entire state. Drawing tourists from across the country, it plays a key role in the region’s economy and cultural identity. The current grandstands date back to 1933, and many of the site’s core systems have gone decades without substantial upgrades.

According to the revised budget, the City of Prescott is now required to move quickly on a list of specific improvements, including infrastructure, drainage, landscaping, and the replacement of critical systems like water and sewer lines. The intent is to both preserve the historic character of the site and prepare it for future generations of rodeo fans.

“The rodeo is part of Prescott’s identity,” added Nguyen. “While others tried to block this effort, Selina and I never gave up. We fought for this because it matters to our community.”

While most of the push for the funding came from Republican lawmakers, Democratic legislators in Arizona did not publicly oppose the effort and were generally supportive of infrastructure improvements across the state, especially those tied to tourism and rural economic development. Many saw the investment in Prescott as part of a broader commitment to maintaining Arizona’s unique cultural landmarks and ensuring statewide access to upgraded public facilities.

Bliss echoed the sentiment, saying, “This project preserves our western roots and ensures the rodeo will thrive for generations to come. Quang and I are proud to have delivered for District 1.”

With the funding now in place and legally locked in, all eyes turn to the City of Prescott to put the funds to use. For a town that proudly calls itself the home of the World’s Oldest Rodeo, the upgrades are both a long-awaited necessity and a celebration of Arizona’s enduring frontier spirit.