In January of 2005 the Norris-Penrose Event
Center (then known as the Penrose Equestrian Center) was purchased
from the County in an effort to relieve the County of the
overhead costs associated with running the facility, maximize
its use and bring the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo back to the
place it originally started.
This effort was accomplished by some very
innovative men, including William Tutt, (son of Charles Leaming
Tutt, co-founder of the facility), Robert Norris, Robert Alexander,
William Miller, Mark Watson, El Pomar and others. These men
currently sit on the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo Foundation Board,
a non-profit organization, which is responsible for the purchase
of the facility.
In an effort to recognize the efforts and
considerable donation contributed by Robert Norris, as well
as promote the diversity of events hosted at the facility,
the Penrose Equestrian Center was renamed the Norris-Penrose
Event Center.
As part of the agreement with the County,
the Board elected to make some considerable improvements to
the facility including the new, spectacular, Premier Event
Complex to be constructed at the east end of the Penrose Stadium.
The Premier Event Complex will include a VIP/Convention level
as well as new concession, restroom and ticket facility level.
Also coming will be an additional 50 plus campsites, all to
be completed by the end of the year.
Along with the new additions, the Norris-Penrose
Event Center will be hosting many diverse events ranging from
Supercross and Monster Truck races to Home, Landscape and
car shows, as well as rodeos. The Center is focusing on becoming
more known as an "event" center, as well as an equestrian
center in order to promote its diversity and continue its
efforts to raise money for the military charities its founders
adopted years ago. |
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