STATE CAPITOL, PHOENIX –  After two years of avoidable delay, Arizona State Representatives Quang Nguyen and Selina Bliss of District 1 in Yavapai County have successfully secured $15 million in state budget funding to improve and refurbish Prescott’s historic rodeo grounds—home of the World’s Oldest Rodeo which is underway this week.

The newly enacted budget requires the City of Prescott to promptly use the funds to upgrade essential infrastructure at the city-owned grounds, including bathrooms, parking, and water and sewer systems.

“This funding finally delivers the economic benefits we fought for two years ago,” said Representative Quang Nguyen. “If the city hadn’t taken this to court, the upgrades could already be finished. We could be celebrating this year’s rodeo in a fully updated arena with better bleachers, bathrooms, and access for families and visitors. But despite the delay, we stayed the course and got it done.”

Representatives Nguyen and Bliss originally secured the funding in 2023, but legal challenges sidelined the project until this year. Working together, the lawmakers successfully revised and reinstated the funding in the budget with specific, enforceable language directing how the money must be used.

“This is a win for Prescott and all of Arizona,” said Representative Selina Bliss. “The rodeo grounds haven’t seen meaningful improvements in 40 years. This is a jewel of Prescott, and it’s long overdue for renovation. These funds will help preserve a site that draws tens of thousands of visitors every year and upholds the state’s values of hard work, self-reliance, and community.”

The World’s Oldest Rodeo has run every year since 1888 and is one of Yavapai County’s largest tourism drivers. The current grandstands were built in 1933.

“The rodeo is part of Prescott’s identity,” said Representative Nguyen. “While others tried to block this effort, Selina and I never gave up. We fought for this because it matters to our community.”

According to the new budget language, the funds must be used to improve and promote use of the rodeo grounds through projects such as drainage work, landscaping, and replacement of aging water and sewer infrastructure.

“This project preserves our western roots and ensures the rodeo will thrive for generations to come,” Representative Bliss added. “Quang and I are proud to have delivered for District 1.”

Follow the Representatives Nguyen and Bliss on X at @QuangNguyenAZ and @SelinaBliss.