Nevada State Fairgrounds see improvements to grounds

The Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) and Nevada Western Heritage Center Alliance are continuing major improvements to the Nevada State Fairgrounds, formerly known as the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center. Building on last year's upgrades to the domestic water and firewater systems, the current phase includes more than $10 million of enhancements, including complete reconstruction of pavement and sidewalk grading, storm drainage, and septic and sewage systems. These infrastructure improvements are designed to increase safety, reliability and ease of use for all who use the grounds.

"These upgrades represent the beginning of our long-term commitment to making the Nevada State Fairgrounds safer, more functional and an asset the community can be proud of," said NDA Director J.J. Goicoechea. "As a designated large‑animal evacuation site, these upgrades are essential to ensuring the grounds remain a dependable and secure location for the community during times of need."

"I commend the Nevada Department of Agriculture for the critical upgrades made to our State Fairgrounds," said Governor Joe Lombardo. "Investing in the future of this facility means creating a safer, more reliable space for Nevadans to gather, celebrate our state's agricultural heritage, and support the events and activities that make Nevada great."

The Nevada State Fairgrounds, including the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center, were returned to the NDA through Assembly Bill 333 of the 83rd Legislative Session. With the transition back to the Department, the NDA committed to revitalizing the venue and expanding access for additional agriculture-related events and community activities.

Improvement projects are being overseen by the Nevada Western Heritage Center Alliance-an organization established to develop funding opportunities for the revitalization of the facility-and the Reno Rodeo Association, which assumed management of the facility in June 2026. In 2023, the Nevada Western Heritage Center Alliance received Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds through the Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to support drinking water, wastewater and storm drainage upgrades, and this year, they also received additional funding to address parking surface deficits and improve stormwater drainage. This funding is directly supporting the ongoing improvements at the fairgrounds.

"The Nevada State Fairgrounds are a crucial community space," said Perry Di Loreto, Chair of the Nevada Western Heritage Alliance Center. "We are happy to facilitate funding for improvements, and we look forward to continuing to see improvements in the space."