The Majestic Valley Arena is under new ownership for the first time since opening its doors in 2002.  

Outriders Present confirmed the ownership change in a promotion for a show headlined by country music star Paul Cauthen in April. The concert “marks a new chapter for the arena, which will be hosting more public concerts and events while continuing to uphold its commitment to community and equine programming — including the long-running Brash Rodeo series,” according to the release.  

Events hosted by the Majestic Valley Arena since 2002 include the Northern Rodeo Association Finals, Montana High School Rodeo Association State Final and the annual Brash Rodeo Winter Series as well as other community events. The facility contains indoor and outdoor arenas and a stall barn that can accommodate over 300 horses. 

The new owners want to remain unidentified, according to Brandon Farley of the Majestic Valley Arena. However, Outriders Present will be booking shows and music for the venue, he said.   

Outriders Present, founded by Johnny Shockey, puts on the Under the Big Sky music festival near Whitefish each year. The multiday event has drawn tens of thousands of visitors to Whitefish over the last several years to catch some of the biggest names in country, indie rock, bluegrass and folk music. 

Majestic Valley Arena President Joshua Shockey said in a statement that the new owners are incredibly grateful to founders Bob and Jan Parker for building a beautiful venue that has hosted so many amazing equine events over the years. 

“We look forward to continuing Jan and Bob’s legacy of building an invaluable community resource, while opening up the venue to more musical events that folks across the entire Flathead Valley and beyond can enjoy,” Shockey said in the release.  

After the arena’s induction into the Cowboy Hall of Fame in November, Jan and Bob Parker told the Daily Inter Lake they were under contract to sell the arena to a buyer they said would maintain its Western style. 

Now that the torch has been passed, Jan Parker said the couple’s dream for 25 years has been to provide something for people in Northwest Montana to enjoy. She said they turned down multiple offers before finding the right partners who shared that vision.  

“We're thrilled to pass the Majestic on to a new generation who can build on its history and legacy for the good of the community,” she said in a statement. 

Cauthen’s April performance will serve as a celebration of his new album, “The Book Of Paul,” which is dropping April 3. New Orleans folk duo Crowe Boys and Flathead Valley-based Radio Ranch are expected to open for Cauthen. 

Paul Cauthen’s show is open to attendees of all ages. Limited tickets will be available starting at $25. Fans are encouraged to sign up for access to the SMS presale on Thursday, Feb. 12 at noon Mountain Time. To sign up for presale access, folks can text 'MAJESTIC' to 406-500-2787. The general sale goes live on Friday, Feb. 13 at noon Mountain Time. 

Reporter Taylor Inman may be reached at 758-4440 or [email protected].

    Paul Cauthen performs at the Under the Big Sky Festival in Whitefish on Friday, July 15, 2022.