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New Governor Michael L. Parson Arena opens at Missouri State Fair

The Governor Michael L. Parson arena is a multi-use facility, located at the southwest corner of the Missouri State Fairgrounds.

It took two years to build, and $31 million to complete. Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe told reporters “This is a world class facility, there’s no two-ways about it.”

The facility is named after former Governor Mike Parson, who has his own red chair in the arena.

“I’m looking forward to coming back and being a spectator,” says Parson.

The facility was built with help from the Missouri Legislature, who allocated more than $70 million for infrastructure updates for the fairgrounds. Missouri Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Rusty Black says it was a good investment.

“I’m expecting this arena to be an asset the fair and state can be proud of and hopefully, generate quite a bit of tourism,” says Black.

Kehoe says the Missouri Legislature has approved a second phase of funding for the arena to include stalling facilities to host equine and other livestock shows, and events for the region.

Lowell Mohler, a former state ag director and fair commissioner, tells Brownfield the completed project is unbelievable.

“I didn’t think I’d ever see what we’re seeing today. It’s one of the largest arenas any state fair has, and we’re mighty proud to have it,” says Mohler.

The rodeo returns to the Missouri State Fair this week, and is one of the first events to be held in the new area.