Behind the Scenes at the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center

On any given day, the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center (RSLEC) may be filled with the roar of monster truck engines, cheers from the crowd at a wrestling tournament, or the whinnies of rodeo competitors’ horses. So how exactly does one venue transform so seamlessly between such dramatically different events? It takes a team… one that has worked together to pull off these transformations dozens of times.

Recently, the Sierra Nevada Classic Wrestling Tournament featured wrestlers from northern Nevada and California competing in a number of age and weight divisions. In order to prepare the facility for this competition, RSLEC staff spent four days filling holes and leveling the surface of the indoor dirt arena.  This process is followed by bringing in a local construction company to professionally laser grade the dirt to safely accommodate wrestling mats. At the conclusion of the event, equipment was brought back in to break up the ground so it’s suitable for livestock events.

The Reno Rodeo, which attracts competitors and fans from around the world, requires weeks of round-the-clock preparation leading up to the main event. With a concert, carnival, trade show and competitive events in both the indoor and outdoor arenas, the rodeo and related activities utilize every aspect of the Livestock Events Center. In addition to the areas enjoyed by the public, practice arenas, stalls and pens are also constructed and maintained throughout the rodeo. And don’t think that disassembling the rodeo is a small feat! It usually takes five days of tear-down to prepare for the next event.

Fans of all ages love the adrenaline-pumping excitement of monster trucks, an event which also takes place at the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center. This larger-than-life event requires dirt to be moved from the outdoor arena to the indoor arena. Moving the dirt and prepping the area for the 3-day show takes more than four days. After the final performance, the dirt is sifted to remove debris, and returned to the outdoor arena.

A variety of other events take place at the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center throughout the year, from RV shows to craft fairs to barrel-racing competitions. Each one is unique and the experienced staff at the events center works tirelessly to make each one a success.