SALT LAKE CITY — State lawmakers will consider Wednesday whether to spend $10 million to build a stadium at the Utah State Fairpark to give the Days of '47 Rodeo a permanent home and hold other events to revitalize the west-side neighborhood.

The funding proposal for the $17 million open-air arena arose in June, and includes $3 million from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County and several businesses would cover the rest of the cost.

Gov. Gary Herbert called a special legislative session for lawmakers to consider the proposal, along with several unrelated items.

Rep. Sandra Hollins, D-Salt Lake City, and Sen. Luz Escamilla, D-Salt Lake City, whose districts include the Fairpark community, will carry the funding bill in the House and Senate, respectively. The state's share of the cost would come from the general fund, made up mostly of income and sales taxes.

A new 10,000-seat, multipurpose stadium would enable the annual Days of '47 Rodeo to relocate its weeklong celebration from Vivint Arena in downtown Salt Lake City. Supporters say the stadium has the potential to generate significant revenue, with multiple groups committing to put on large events.

The proposed legislation sets a July 1, 2017, deadline for the stadium to be built. It lays out an expedited process for construction. The rodeo won't be able to use Vivint Arena next summer due to renovation.

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Special session on tap for $17M Fairpark stadium

Utah Gov. Gary Herbert called a special session for Wednesday for lawmakers to consider approving $10 million toward a new stadium at the Utah State Fairpark and to toughen penalties for flying drones near wildfires.

"We need to act now because they need an arena in a year," Escamilla told the Legislature's Executive Appropriations Committee on Tuesday. The committee unanimously adopted the bill.

Larry Mullenax, Utah State Fairpark executive director, called the project "fantastic."

"Make no mistake, it's 20 years in the making," he told the committee. "There's nothing new about this. It's just at that point where we've got to make some decisions and move forward."

Struggling for a viable operation

State lawmakers have struggled for years to come up with a way to make the Fairpark a viable operation. They considered privatizing the state fair, moving it altogether and potentially seeing the property developed, and over time instituted changes to the management structure.

The annual fair itself generates more money than it costs to put on, but aging buildings have needed costly repairs, and events held during other times of the year have not made enough money to keep the park self-sufficient.

Sen. Jim Dabakis, D-Salt Lake City, said the arena would have to serve alcohol to attract concerts and other events, and make money.

"Without that provision, you're talking about a big white elephant," he said.

Escamilla assured him alcohol would be available at the arena. Mullenax said the concessions would be consistent with other nationally recognized arenas.

Legislative budget director Jonathan Ball admitted to being a "little nervous" about making a $10 million appropriation in July. But he said not all the money in the 2016 budget would be spent, allowing the state to cover the cost.

"I would say let's not do it on a regular basis," Ball told legislators.

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