The covered grandstands at Flathead County Fairgrounds are being considered for replacement. 

The 16,000-square-foot seating structure may look good for its age, but condition assessments conducted in 2024 and 2025 suggest replacing the roughly 100-year-old stands after decades of heavy use. 

Fairgrounds Manager Sam Nunnally said there’s long-term moisture damage around inaccessible areas, and the roof falls short of modern standards. The stands are safe for public use, he added, and will be open for the Northwest Montana Fair and Rodeo in August. 

“I have full faith in our grandstands,” Nunnally said. “But we need to take a look at what long-term looks like.” 

County commissioners on July 2 began the search for a firm to provide architectural services for what is known as the Flathead County Fairgrounds Grandstand Replacement Project. The scope of the project includes replacing the roof and the stands, adding VIP and press boxes, upgrading arena lighting and modernizing concession facilities.  

A contract is expected to be awarded on Aug. 11 with construction scheduled to begin in August 2027 and wrap up in July 2028.  

The project proposes adding new features to the seating structure, including an integrated exhibit hall, fairgrounds administrative offices underneath the stands, a new highway marquee sign and a comprehensive redesign of the rodeo arena. 

More than 80,000 patrons annually attend the Northwest Montana Fair and Rodeo, which sees the fairgrounds arena transform into a venue for rodeo sports and concerts. Outside of the annual fair, the arena hosts year-round events, such as 4-H programs, youth livestock events, shooting sports and horseshows. 

Commissioner Brad Abell said public safety concerns over the past couple of years have put pressure on county officials to tackle deferred maintenance projects at the fairgrounds.  

The county shelled out $14,049 to repair the grandstands in 2024 after the seating structure was temporarily closed in May of that year. Another $49,542 was spent on grandstand repairs in 2025, according to Project Manager Whitney Aschenwald.  

The north bleachers, adjacent to the covered grandstands, were replaced with new aluminum stands in August 2025. The $1.3 million upgrade provides seating for about 400 more people, with 1,600 seats total.   

Nunnally said the infield bleachers, across from the north bleachers and covered grandstands, are in decent shape and only need minor repairs.  

Report for America Reporter Hannah Shields can be reached at 406-758-4439 or [email protected]. If you value local journalism, pledge your support at dailyinterlake.com/support.