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Apache Junction pays $1.4 million for rodeo grounds

Published: Tuesday, May 30, 2023 - 5:05am

The Apache Junction rodeo grounds will soon have a new owner. The city is buying the 20-acre site from the federal Bureau of Land Management. 

Since 1986, Apache Junction has been leasing the rodeo grounds at Lost Dutchman Boulevard and Tomahawk Road. The BLM’s deal restricted use to residents and nonprofits. 

Liz Langenbach, Parks and recreation director, addressed the City Council earlier this month

“We want to manage expectations that everything isn't going to change, and we’re not gonna have you know these amazing concerts overnight. But immediately once we own the facility we will be able to start renting the facility to commercial entities and for-profit businesses," Langenbach said.

That should happen around July 1.

Langenbach also said upgrades are needed.

“For example, there is very limited electricity, to the extent of at the rodeo arena and the restroom facility. But the area where all of our vendors usually are, there is no electricity, so they have to bring in generators and think of how they’re going to get power there,” she said.