Steamboat Springs, Colorado-May 12, 2026-The Historic Preservation Commission officially designated the Howelsen Hill Rodeo Grounds, Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo Series & Brent A. Romick Arena - as the community’s newest Local Landmark during its meeting Monday evening. The designation is the highest level of recognition on the Steamboat Springs Register of Historic Places.
“The rodeo grounds are one of Steamboat Springs’ most enduring cultural touchstones,” said Planning Director Rebecca Bessey. “This landmark designation not only honors the generations who built and sustained this tradition but also ensures that the spirit of rodeo—its community, its heritage, and its sense of place—remains protected for future generations.”
The designation recognizes more than a century of rodeo tradition at the site, which has served as a defining symbol of Steamboat Springs’ western ranching heritage. Rodeo competitions have taken place here since 1898, from bronco riding and steer roping to pony racing, with early spectators forming makeshift arenas from their horses and later their automobiles.
A formal arena was established in 1927 with support from the American Legion, and the venue underwent major improvements in 1990 when City Council renamed it Brent A. Romick Arena in honor of longtime rodeo leader Brent Romick and his contributions to the community.
“This might just be the best thing that has happened to the rodeo in a very long time, and in fact forever – a fruition of a dream come true” said Brent Romick, Chairman of Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo Series.
The site also includes several historically significant structures, such as the cobblestone ticket booth pillar built in 1934 by H.W. Gossard and a concrete grandstand completed in 1938 by the Works Progress Administration. While some facilities have shifted over time, the arena’s historic layout and spatial organization endure, preserving an authentic rodeo experience.
“Allowing the rodeo to evolve alongside historic designation ensures the grounds will continue to serve participants and spectators as rodeo practices evolve overtime” said Caitlin Berube-Smith, Historic Preservation Planner.
The rodeo and grounds represent a historic and vernacular cultural landscape and a Traditional Cultural Place whose customs, practices, and beliefs continue to be handed down across generations. Today, the Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo Series and year‑round activities at the site continue to bring together local, state, and national participants and fans, sustaining a living cultural tradition.
“Steamboat was a ranching town before it was anything else,” said John Shipley of the Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo Series. “I think the rodeo is important to our community because it reminds us of our heritage in Northwest Colorado. It helps us keep our noses on our faces and not up in the air and our boots planted firmly on the ground.”
The Local Landmark designation underscores the overwhelming historic importance of the Howelsen Hill Rodeo Grounds to the Steamboat Springs community and affirms the city’s commitment to protecting the places that define its identity.
Contact
Email Rebecca Bessey, Planning & Community Development Director, or call 970-871-8202
Email Caitlin Berube-Smith, Historic Preservation Planner, or call 970-871-8228
Email Michael Lane, Marketing & Communications Manager, or call 970-871-8220
Email Brent Romick, Chairman, Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo Series, or call 970-879-3618