Location Valley Center, Kansas Year built 1977 | Renovated 2006, 2010 | |
Owner Sedgwick County Government Operator Sedgwick County Government Architect Thomas, Harris, Ash and Mason General contractor Dondlinger & Sons Construction Co. INC | ||
Kansas Pavilions is a complex in the Wichita suburb, of Valley Center, Kansas, that hosts a number of equestrian, livestock, dog and car shows, as well as swap meets and flea markets.
The Pavilions were once part of the Kansas Coliseum complex, which was built in 1977 and included the 9,686 seat Britt Brown Arena. The arena was closed in February 2010 after the opening of the INTRUST Bank Arena in downtown Wichita, Kansas.
When the Britt Brown Arena closed, there was much public outcry to not close the pavilions at the Kansas Coliseum. Members of the public who used the pavilions frequently argued that the INTRUST Bank Arena and neighboring show places are not equipped to host "dirt" events, such as equestrian and livestock shows. On June 30, 2010, the Board of Sedgwick County Commissioners voted to keep the pavilions open through at least 2016 and rename them the Kansas Pavilions.
The facility now consist of four pavilions and a 20-space, full-service RV park. When Sedgwick County residents voted to approve a 1-cent sales tax to build the INTRUST Bank Arena, they also voted to allocate part of those funds to renovate the pavilions at the Kansas Coliseum (now Kansas Pavilions). The renovation was carried out in 2006 and 2010 for $4.5 million. The principal facility is the Sam E. Fulco Arena with 135,000 square feet; other areas include Pavilion II with 90,000 square feet, and the Arena Building with 45,000 square feet; there is also a covered dirt practice area.