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Date: September 30, 2005
Contact: Pat Dodds, Public Affairs Officer, (480) 312-2336
Scottsdale is working to retrofit a large, temporary tent at WestWorld with desert
colors.
Recognizing the visual impact of the 120,000-square-foot tent, the city staff has been
seeking information on a new tent skin and preparing a bid package for City Council
action. Scheduling the work will depend on meeting the city’s purchasing requirements
and working around WestWorld’s packed calendar of events.
The city originally sought a desert-toned tent for the site, but could not secure one in
time to meet WestWorld’s event schedule, which begins in October and runs through
April. Scottsdale needed a large tent to accommodate the demand for covered space for
consumer and home shows, auctions and other special events.
The only structure available to meet the city’s needs and timeline was a tent
originally built for a 2001 business expo in California that hosted numerous dignitaries,
including former President George H.W. Bush and former Secretary of State Colin Powell.
The tent came with large American flags imprinted on each side. It is the largest
clear-span tent in North America.
The tent is a temporary facility, designed to provide space for events while Scottsdale
proceeds with long-term plans for a multipurpose facility that will provide more covered
event space.
“The City Council understands the visual impact of this structure,” said Mayor
Mary Manross. “The city is pursuing the installation of a new ‘skin’ or
covering, while ensuring that the community continues to enjoy the positive economic
impacts of a healthy tourism industry. WestWorld plays a major part in drawing visitors to
our city.”
Scottsdale purchased the tent this summer for roughly $2 million and is investing about $2
million in lighting, site improvements and installation. The structure will help host many
of WestWorld’s annual shows and events, including the Barrett-Jackson Classic Car
Auction and the Goodguys Hot Rd Show and the Home and Garden Expo.
The season kicks off next month with three events already taking advantage of
WestWorld’s expanded space. The first event will be the East Meets West Custom Motor
Cycle Show scheduled for Oct. 8-9, followed by the Home Improvement Show Oct. 28-30, and
the Originals Holiday Gift Show Nov. 4-6.
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