Rodeo center makes hotel/conference complex unique

Mesquite, Texas – The city has broken ground on Rodeo Center, a $20 million hotel-conference center and exhibit hall complex. The project is being developed by the city, John Q. Hammons Hotels and Mesquite Rodeo, and it will feature an enclosed rodeo arena for year-round use.

During the rodeo’s off-season (October-March), the arena will be available for other equestrian events, concerts and activities. Completion of the new complex is scheduled for fall 1998.

Funding for the $10 million hotel is being provided by John Q. Hammons Hotels, which will operate the hotel and conference center. The city is financing the $7 million, 45,000-square-foot conference facility and $2 million, 42,000-square-foot exhibit hall. Mesquite Rodeo is providing financing for the $1 million arena enclosure. The company also will manage the exhibit hall.

The first leg of the development is a 162-room Hampton Inn & Suites Hotel, which is expandable to 225 rooms. It will contain a large lobby with a fireplace, a garden-level pool and a sunken garden.

The design of Rodeo Center will enhance and complement the existing rodeo arena, located nearby. Architect HKS, Dallas, has combined classical western style with contemporary Texas flair, using synthetic natural stone and copper for the three facilities.

A brick-paved plaza will front the hotel entry, exhibit hall and conference center, and a pedestrian walkway will link the complex to the existing rodeo.

“What began as an initial discussion by the city in 1984 is now being realized,” says Mesquite Mayor Mike Anderson. “Mesquite will have a quality conference and exhibit complex located next to a world-famous tourist attraction.”