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lnfrastructure lmprovements: Enhanced lighting, safe pedestrian flow with a new skywalk connection to the fairgrounds, and full building code compliance' Sustainability: Designed to achieve LEED Silver certification through energy-efficient systems and durable materials. Milestone Start Date Completion Date Final Design Completed Mav !,2O25 June 30, 2025 Permitting and Bidding Julv L,2025 September 9,2025 Approval and Contracting September 16,2025 September 30, 2025 Site Prep and Demolition October L,2025 November 15,2025 Primary Construction November L6,2025 Mav 37,2025 Final I nspections/Testing June L,2026 luJy 3L,2026 Facility Opening and Prep August 7,2026 August tO,2026 2. Tourism lmpact Analysis: The grandstands redevelopment substantially advances regional tourism by modernizing one of the County's premier event venues. This project directly aligns with the top recommendation in the Kittitas County Tourism Strategic Plan, which prioritizes investment in KVEC and the Rodeo Grounds as critical tourism infrastructure. The enhanced facility is expected to increase event attendance, elevate the profile of the Ellensburg Rodeo, and expand the venue's usability for concerts, festivals, equestrian events, and other year-round programming. 3. Projected Attendance and Visitor Data The upgraded grandstands will sqpport major tourism-driven events such as the Ellensburg Rodeo, Bares & Broncs, Cowboy Cross, equestrian competitions, and concerts. lmproved amenities and expanded accessibility will benefit tourists, participants, and community members alike. Currently the event calendar has availabilily for 27 additional event days. Upgrades are expected to attract additional interest in the facility. lf an 9 additional events were added during the May to October period, with 3 of them being large scale events then based on an average attendance of 5,000 per event, the venue could attract approximately 15,000 attendees during this period, including an estimated 5,100 tourists traveling more than 50 miles. 4. Economic Benefits: The economic impact of these improvements is equally significant. As more visitors attend events at the modernized facility, they will spend more in the local economy-staying in hotels, dining at restaurants, shopping at local businesses, and fueling at area gas stations. The Kittitas Valley Event Center serves as a key economic driver for Kittitas County by generating a significant volume of overnight stays in lodging facilities located both inside and outside the City of Ellensburg. With the planned enhancements, this impact is expected to grow, further establishing the Event Center as a key contributor to overnight visitation and regional economic development. lncreased activity will support localjobs and generate sustained growth, benefiting both residents and business owners. Assuming an additional 5,100 tourists spend a minimum of 5223 per day* and stay for an average of I.47 days**,this project is estimated to generate an additional S1,671,831 in economic impact for both the City of Ellensburg and Kittitas County. a a