Ag Arena Construction Pushed Back Due To Lack Of Funds

Earlier this month the Houstonian reported that some building projects would be delayed because of funding. Today they report that the development of the Gibbs Ranch arena joins that list:

The $20 million needed to build the new Gibbs Ranch Agricultural Arena that was projected to begin construction in 2014 has not yet been raised, officials said. The Texas State University System Capital Improvements Plan had projected the arena to be built in 2014. Without the money this won’t happen.

The arena will serve as a place of education for agricultural students, specifically students studying animal science. The education that will take place in the arena will focus on equine (horses) science , as well as working with livestock, specifically cattle.

According to the CIP the arena complex will serve the “University’s need for enhanced educational opportunities, provide a facility with high revenue-generating potential, and serve as a fitting home for the University’s championship rodeo team.”

The arena will provide seating for 5,000, and will eventually include a [practice area for the college rodeo team], covered connector building, a stall barn, an RV parking area, parking for 750 cars, and a horticultural center with classrooms, a floral design lab and greenhouses.