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Scottsdale event to launch Tony Nelssen Equestrian Center expansion



  Sept. 14, 2011

  Contact: Kelly Corsette, Communications & Public Affairs Director
  Office: 480-312-2336, Mobile: 602-359-5965


Scottsdale event to launch Tony Nelssen Equestrian Center expansion
Scottsdale officials will gather on Sept. 29 to formally name WestWorld’s equidome the “Tony Nelssen Equestrian Center” and preview plans for a $33 million expansion to the facility.

Remarks will be from 11 a.m. until noon Thursday, Sept. 29, followed by a project preview and complimentary lunch provided by the Scottsdale Classic Futurity & Quarter Horse Show which opens that day. The event is open to the public.

In February, the City Council voted unanimously to rename the main arena, previously known as the equidome, to honor late Scottsdale City Councilman Tony Nelssen who lost his battle with cancer in 2010. Nelssen served the community in a variety of roles over many years, including four years on the Scottsdale City Council.

“Tony was not only an equestrian advocate, he was an advocate for WestWorld and for Scottsdale,” said Vice Mayor Bob Littlefield. “This is certainly an appropriate way to honor his service to the community.”

Scottsdale Mayor W.J. “Jim” Lane will join Vice Mayor Littlefield, former Councilwoman Marg Nelssen and the Nelssens’ children, Ian and Hannah, at the ceremony.

The event will include a preview of the Tony Nelssen Equestrian Center expansion, a project that is expected to improve the facility’s ability to compete as a year-round venue for equestrian and other events and shows.

The expansion will enclose the open-air facility and provide climate-control while doubling the usable space to more than 250,000 square feet. The addition of north and south halls and an east paddock will increase flexibility in programming events and activities.

“This project will boost use of WestWorld year round, and bring more visitors and tax revenue to Scottsdale,” said Brian Dygert, WestWorld general manager.¬

To learn more about the project, visit ScottsdaleAz.gov/Construction/EquidomeExpansion.

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