Improved, Permanent Rodeo Arena Receives Funding

Oct. 26, 2021 - The Mandan Park Board approved proceeding with major upgrades to the rodeo arena used by Mandan Horse and Saddle Club on the west side of Dacotah Centennial Park during its Oct. 11 board meeting.

The Mandan Rodeo Days Committee is responsible for the cost of the new arena. Mandan Park District and the Rodeo Days Committee secured a $750,000 donation from Dale Pahlke, Dakota Community Bank and Trust and a $1 million commitment from the City of Mandan Visitors Promotion Fund to directly benefit infrastructure improvements at Dacotah Centennial Park.

The improved facility will now be known as the Dale Pahlke Arena on the Dakota Community Bank and Trust Rodeo Grounds. The new, larger arena will feature improved drainage, new fencing and gates, new announcer stand, audio visual system, 4,000-seat grandstand, livestock pens, contestant warm-up area, future exhibit hall and a maintenance/storage shed. Dacotah Centennial Park updates include accommodating ADA upgrades to bleachers and LED lighting throughout the facility. The community gardens will be relocated to the former south tennis court site, 608 8th Ave. SE in 2022.

Visitors Promotion Fund. A portion of Mandan’s 1% restaurant and lodging tax revenue is set aside for tourism or towards the purchase, equipping, improving, construction, maintenance, repair and acquisition of buildings consistent with visitor attraction or promotion within the city.

The Mandan Rodeo Committee is actively seeking other sponsors. For information on sponsorship opportunities contact Mandan Rodeo past chair and fundraising coordinator, Jason Mittlestadt at 701-527-4625.

Mandan Park Board approved hiring Icon Architectural Group to design the project. The goal is to have the facility ready by the Fourth of July in 2022. Visit mandanparks.com for more information.