The Ranch Master Plan Receives 2026 Visionary Legacy Award

The Ranch Events Complex has received the 2026 Visionary Legacy Award from the Greater Loveland-Johnstown Area Chamber of Commerce, recognizing the long-term vision and investment behind The Ranch Master Plan. The award honors those who look beyond today and invest in opportunities that will benefit future generations.

For more than 20 years, The Ranch has brought Northern Colorado together through agriculture, entertainment, sporting events, and community traditions. From the Larimer County Fair and PRCA Rodeo to concerts, trade shows, and community gatherings, The Ranch has become an important part of the region's identity.

Now, through its Master Plan, The Ranch is building on that history while preparing for the next 20 years and beyond.

What is The Ranch Master Plan?

The Ranch Master Plan is a long-term investment in the future of the Larimer County-owned events complex in Loveland, Colorado. It provides a framework to expand and improve the campus to better serve the community, accommodate a wider variety of events, and meet the needs of a growing Northern Colorado region.

The plan includes improvements to existing facilities, new indoor and outdoor event spaces, and infrastructure upgrades to improve accessibility and the overall visitor experience.

At its core, the Master Plan ensures The Ranch continues to serve the people of Larimer County while creating new opportunities for the region.

What's Happening Across Campus?

The Master Plan is being implemented in phases, with several major improvements already completed and additional projects moving through planning, design, and construction.

Phase I established important groundwork for the campus's future, including improvements to campus roadways, entrances, and public access points; the construction of ORIGIN Arena, a year-round facility supporting 4-H equine education and programming; expansion of the outdoor riding and warm-up arenas at the Castorena Equestrian Center; a new full-service RV lot; and the acquisition of 72 additional acres for future development.

Phase II builds on those investments with projects that will introduce new experiences and improve the way visitors use and enjoy the campus.

Key projects include:

Event Lawn: A new 21-acre outdoor event space that opened in July 2026 and now serves as the home of the Larimer County Fair, with flexibility to host festivals, community gatherings, and other large-scale outdoor events.
Outdoor Amphitheater: A planned outdoor entertainment venue with an anticipated capacity of approximately 6,000 people, creating new opportunities for concerts, performances, and community programming.
Exposition Center: The planned renovation and expansion of the existing Pedersen Toyota Center, providing additional event space and improved amenities to support conventions, trade shows, consumer expos, indoor sporting events, and a wider variety of entertainment experiences.
Blue Arena Improvements: Modernization of existing facilities, including guest amenities, premium spaces, technology, and other improvements that will enhance the event experience.
Event Plaza: A new central gathering space that will serve as a connection hub for the campus, providing areas for visitors to relax, socialize, and enjoy outdoor activities. The plaza will also support a variety of programming, including pre-event gatherings, food truck rallies, outdoor concerts, and other community events, while improving accessibility and pedestrian connections between venues.
Campus Infrastructure and Wayfinding: Continued investments in signage, utilities, accessibility, and infrastructure to support current operations and future growth.

Together, these projects will allow The Ranch to accommodate a broader range of events while continuing to support the agricultural and community traditions that have been part of its identity since opening in 2003.

An Investment That Reaches Beyond The Ranch

The Ranch Master Plan's impact extends well beyond the campus. As The Ranch grows its capacity to host larger, more diverse events, it also creates new opportunities for tourism and economic growth throughout Loveland and Northern Colorado.

More visitors mean increased business for local hotels, restaurants, and shops, while new events and expanded facilities create opportunities for local vendors, contractors, and other businesses across the region.

For Larimer County residents, the Master Plan means more entertainment and experiences close to home, while preserving the agricultural traditions, youth programs, and community events that have made The Ranch an important part of Northern Colorado for more than 20 years.

A Commitment to Responsible Public Investment

The Ranch Master Plan reflects a long-term commitment to Larimer County's future. Supported in part by the county's voter-approved 0.15% sales and use tax, the Master Plan reflects years of planning and a shared vision for the campus's future.

As a publicly owned facility, The Ranch recognizes the responsibility that comes with investing public dollars and remains committed to thoughtful planning that serves residents today and for generations to come.

This work would not be possible without the leadership and dedication of the Larimer County Board of County Commissioners, The Ranch Master Plan team, project partners, and community stakeholders who continue to help shape the future of the campus.

Looking Ahead

Receiving the 2026 Visionary Legacy Award is meaningful recognition of the work underway, but the Master Plan's lasting impact will be measured by what it brings to our community.

As projects move forward, The Ranch remains focused on creating new opportunities for entertainment, agriculture, business, and community connection that will serve Larimer County and Northern Colorado for generations to come.