Senator Finchem Introduces Legislation to Settle Ongoing Lawsuit Over Prescott Rodeo

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Monday, February 3, 2025

Senator Finchem Introduces Legislation to Settle Ongoing Lawsuit Over Prescott Rodeo

PHOENIX, ARIZONA— In an effort to help settle an ongoing lawsuit over a $15.3 million appropriation in 2022 to the Prescott Rodeo Grounds City Park, Senator Mark Finchem has introduced a bill to ensure compliance with legal requirements regarding the use of public resources.

Shortly after the funding was approved for repairs and the rejuvenation of the Prescott Rodeo Grounds, a lawsuit was filed by a public interest law firm on behalf of two Prescott residents. The residents who initiated the litigation argue that the appropriation made to Prescott Frontier Days (PFD), the private organization and operator of the Prescott Rodeo that leases the city park from the City of Prescott, is a violation of the Arizona Constitution’s “Gift Clause” and is an inappropriate distribution of public resources.

SB1583 aims to build a bridge between the City of Prescott and the PFD by amending the original appropriation and redirecting the funding to the City of Prescott for the clear purpose of repair, rejuvenation, and improvements to the grounds, physical plant, and appurtenances upon the land. This amendment was designed to end the “Gift Clause” litigation which has cost PFD over $250,000 through no fault of their own.

The City of Prescott will preserve their historic piece of property and enhance public amenities through the grounds management lease with PFD. Planned improvements include the replacement and upgrading of underground utilities such as water, sewer, and power supply lines, the construction of new ADA-compliant restrooms, repair of concrete supporting structures and replacement/ renovation of deteriorating grandstand seating, the set up of a new focused array sound system to reduce noise impact on nearby residents, and much more.

"Prescott without a rodeo would be like a cowboy without his boots. Thousands of visitors from around the world attend the Prescott Rodeo each year, bringing the city and businesses an estimated $13 million," said Senator Finchem. "The City of Prescott is relying on the help of the Legislature to release the funds needed to restore the historic grounds, while also complying with legal requirements regarding the use of public resources. With this legislation, we are working towards ending the lawsuit allowing the rodeo tradition to ride on."  

###

For more information, contact:

Kim Quintero

Director of Communications | Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus

kquintero@azleg.gov