Roundup still on despite bleacher work
A partially demolished set of bleachers is the first step of the first phase of upgraded seating at the Moses Lake Roundup arena.
MOSES LAKE - The 2013 Moses Lake Roundup will go on as scheduled, even with plans to improve seating.
The Moses Lake Roundup arena will get a facelift over the next few years, beginning with the removal and eventual replacement of one set of bleachers.
Grant County officials hired an engineer to evaluate the arena, said Jerry Gingrich, Grant County Fair manager. The engineers concluded that the entire arena could use some upgrades, he said
Engineers condemned the bleachers on the northeast side of the arena, Gingrich said, and that section is being dismantled. It will be replaced, although it might not be ready by the rodeo, Gingrich said.
In that case temporary bleachers might be installed. "We are working to see they (the rodeo) have as many seats as possible," he said.
Fairgrounds staff and the rodeo association will review the engineers' final report, Gingrich said, and use that to build a plan to refurbish or replace the rest of the arena's wooden seating. Gingrich estimated the project would take about three years.
There are a number of options right now, Gingrich said, including replacing one set of bleachers each year.