By Andi Anderson
Michigan State University has approved a major step toward expanding the Michigan Farm Bureau Pavilion. The MSU Board of Trustees has authorized the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources to begin planning a second indoor arena at the facility.
Final construction will still require additional approval, but planning is now underway.
The proposed expansion is expected to increase event capacity while improving conditions for animals, exhibitors, and visitors. Pavilion users have requested additional space for many years, and the new arena would help meet growing demand for agricultural and community events.
“Guests and facility users have called for additional space at the MFB Pavilion for years, and we’re excited to start the planning process for this addition,” said Matt Daum, dean and associate provost of CANR. “Early-phase funding commitments from donors and industry partners in the coming months will determine the shape this new space will take.”
CANR leaders are reviewing two expansion concepts developed with input from Michigan’s animal agriculture community. Both options would add an attached indoor arena and eliminate the need to warm up animals outdoors before shows.
The Foundational Concept is estimated to cost between 10 and 11 million dollars. It would add 24,000 square feet of indoor arena space on the east side of the pavilion. The Expanded Concept is larger, with an estimated cost of 16 to 19 million dollars. This option would add 40,700 square feet on the west side and include a small lobby, seating for 200 spectators, and improved access control.
“We’d like to offer the Expanded Concept’s scaled-up size and functionality to MFB Pavilion users, but there’s a significant cost difference between the two models,” said George Smith, director of MSU AgBioResearch. “If this facility and the events you’ve experienced here have had an impact in your life, your support now will help to set the course for its future.”
The Michigan Farm Bureau Pavilion hosts nearly 100 events each year, including livestock shows, horse events, youth programs, and major exhibitions such as the Michigan Livestock Exhibition, Spartan Stampede Rodeo, and Michigan Horse Expo. The facility welcomes about 100,000 visitors annually and supports programming on roughly 250 days each year.
These events generate more than 7 million dollars annually for the local economy and approximately 161 million dollars since the pavilion opened in 1996. The pavilion was renamed in 2024 following a naming agreement with the Michigan Farm Bureau Family of Companies, supporting continued investment in agricultural infrastructure and education at MSU.
Photo Credit: michigan-state-university-msu
Categories: Michigan, Livestock