Heart O' Texas Coliseum
Encyclopedia
The Heart O' Texas Fair Complex, now known as the Extraco Events Center, is located in Waco, Texas
. It was once the prime basketball facility for Baylor University
. The H.O.T Coliseum was constructed after McLennan County voters authorized a bond issue of $1,200,000 in the early 1950s. Despite public criticism that might be directed toward the board and individual members, it was the board’s unanimous decision to build portions of the entire plant that the available money would permit. The last of five contracts was signed on January 9, 1952, and construction of the Coliseum began soon afterward. The Coliseum, livestock barn, ticket booths and several small buildings were constructed, paving was done and fencing enclosed the grounds. In the spring of 1953, the Coliseum was completed, and on April 11, the formal opening was held. The Coliseum remained home to Bears basketball, and Waco's largest concert venue, until Ferrell Center
was built in 1987.
All facilities and grounds of the Fair Complex underwent renovations and/or reconstruction throughout the years of 2000 to 2005. The Complex now covers 50 acres (202,343 m²) of land containing modernized facilities, 700 stalls, 250 RV hook-ups and parking areas able to accommodate over 3800 vehicles. Its facilities consist of the Heart O’ Texas Coliseum, Back Porch Club, Show Pavilion, General Exhibits Building, Creative Arts Building and the recently constructed Stall Barn.
In August 2010, officials announced that Extraco Banks signed a long-term naming rights deal, officially changing the name of the grounds to the Extraco Events Center.
The Heart O' Texas Fair & Rodeo, held for a week in October, is its largest attraction of the year, hosting a PRCA
rodeo event and accompanying fair, which attract hundreds of thousands.
Waco, Texas
Waco is a city in and the county seat of McLennan County, Texas. Situated along the Brazos River and on the I-35 corridor, halfway between Dallas and Austin, it is the economic, cultural, and academic center of the 'Heart of Texas' region....
. It was once the prime basketball facility for Baylor University
Baylor University
Baylor University is a private, Christian university located in Waco, Texas. Founded in 1845, Baylor is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.-History:...
. The H.O.T Coliseum was constructed after McLennan County voters authorized a bond issue of $1,200,000 in the early 1950s. Despite public criticism that might be directed toward the board and individual members, it was the board’s unanimous decision to build portions of the entire plant that the available money would permit. The last of five contracts was signed on January 9, 1952, and construction of the Coliseum began soon afterward. The Coliseum, livestock barn, ticket booths and several small buildings were constructed, paving was done and fencing enclosed the grounds. In the spring of 1953, the Coliseum was completed, and on April 11, the formal opening was held. The Coliseum remained home to Bears basketball, and Waco's largest concert venue, until Ferrell Center
Ferrell Center
The Ferrell Center is an arena in Waco, Texas. It was built in 1988 and is located adjacent to the Brazos River. It is home to the Baylor University Bears basketball and volleyball teams. It is named for Charles R. Ferrell, a Baylor student and legacy who died in 1967, and whose family's estate...
was built in 1987.
All facilities and grounds of the Fair Complex underwent renovations and/or reconstruction throughout the years of 2000 to 2005. The Complex now covers 50 acres (202,343 m²) of land containing modernized facilities, 700 stalls, 250 RV hook-ups and parking areas able to accommodate over 3800 vehicles. Its facilities consist of the Heart O’ Texas Coliseum, Back Porch Club, Show Pavilion, General Exhibits Building, Creative Arts Building and the recently constructed Stall Barn.
In August 2010, officials announced that Extraco Banks signed a long-term naming rights deal, officially changing the name of the grounds to the Extraco Events Center.
The Heart O' Texas Fair & Rodeo, held for a week in October, is its largest attraction of the year, hosting a PRCA
PRCA
PRCA may refer to:*Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association*Protestant Reformed Churches in America*Public Relations Consultants Association*Pure red cell aplasia*Pusch Ridge Christian Academy, a school in Oro Valley, Arizona...
rodeo event and accompanying fair, which attract hundreds of thousands.