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The Colby Multi-Purpose Arena and Equestrian Center Star Bond project took a step forward on Tuesday July 2nd when the city council unanimously approved a resolution authorizing the execution of a Memorandum of Understanding and a Funding Agreement for the proposed project. Mike Woofter, representing Colby Investment Group (Developer), stated “while we’re still early in the process, reaching this agreement with the city demonstrates their excitement of the development”.
Colby Investment Group is planning a major entertainment complex for Colby. At the heart of the complex will be a state-of-the-art Multi-Purpose Arena and Equestrian Center designed to meet the needs of promoters and participants in the rodeo / equestrian world. The center will boast first-class stables, an expansive competitive arena, as well as multifunctional space for hosting a variety of non-equestrian events.
The development, primarily located south of Interstate 70 and west of KS 25 will be more than just an arena. In addition to the two new hotels now under construction, a third property will be built, bringing close to 300 new hotel rooms to Colby. Retail and restaurant space will be included along with a new, full serve restaurant slated to be opened early in the project.
To enhance the traveling guests experience, the developers are planning an indoor amusement center featuring indoor go carts, putt-putt, laser tag, an arcade, and a miniature animal petting zoo. There are also plans for a Wind, Weather and Tornado exhibit as well as a Farming Pavilion and Agricultural Center. Surrounding the arena will be an RV park, a picnic area, green belt, fishing pond and walking trails. Outdoor food service is also planned.
“While these components are designed to attract additional tourism to our community, it’s awesome to create new entertainment opportunities for local residents” Woofter shared.
STAR Bonds are a tool used to assist the development of major entertainment or tourism destinations in Kansas. State and local sales tax revenue generated by the attraction and associated retail development are used to pay back the bonds. In 2022 the Department of Commerce and State Legislators amended the tool to allow better access for rural Kansas. Lieutenant Governor David Toland, who also serves as Secretary of the Kansas Department of Commerce, has expressed his desire to get a project going in Northwest Kansas. The Department has been supportive and encouraging to both the city and the developers during the planning process.
The next step in the Star Bond project is district approval and scheduling public meetings to review the project with the community. For more information, contact Jim Millensifer at 785-953-1139.