OKC Fairgrounds equine events spark $20 million in local spending

OKC Fairgrounds officials say two equine events recently held there generated $19.8 million in direct spending. Even better, 90% of those event attendees were from out-of-town. That means an influx of cash for the Oklahoma City economy.

The Oklahoma Quarter Horse Association Redbud Spectacular took place at the OKC Fairgrounds June 1-11. More than 40,000 people attended that event, generating $8.95 million in direct spending in the form of hotel rooms, restaurants, retail and more. 

Just a few days later, the OKC Fairgrounds hosted the National Reining Horse Association Derby. Attendance for that event, held June 14-25, topped 49,000, leading to $10.85 million in direct spending.

Both equine events were held in the Jim Norick Arena, which has been a major economic driver in Oklahoma City for decades. Its ultramodern replacement is under construction right now. The targeted completion date is April 2025. The economic impact of the new coliseum is estimated at $408 million annually.

The OKC Fairgrounds hosted eight events in June. Combined attendance was 108,627.

This comes on the heels of a busy May at the Fairgrounds. The facility hosted 19 events with 148,835 visitors whose direct spending surpassed $23 million.