Tyson Track Complex Hosts NWAHBA Show

The Northwest Arkansas Home Builders Association announced that the Spring Home Show and Expo will be held March 18-20 in the Randal Tyson Track Complex on the University of Arkansas campus. The 2004 show was held at the Love Box Building in Springdale.

Jan Skopecek, executive officer of the NWAHBA, said she is excited about returning the show to the track complex after a three-year hiatus. Skopecek said the nature of the building lends itself to expo space.

“You don’t have to have roof supports or steal beams breaking up the flow of traffic,” Skopecek said. About 82,000 SF of beam-free space exists in the 92,000-SF track complex.

The Brumley Gospel Sing will also return to the venue in August 2005.

University Conference and Entertainment LLC has signed a contract agreement with the UA Athletic Department to lease the space from March 15 to Nov. 15 when indoor track events aren’t being held. Tom Bhakta, Ken Mourton and Bill Lazenby are partnering in the venture.

The facility hasn’t been available for public use since 2001 when its tax-exempt status was revoked. Bill Ramsey, president and CEO of the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce, said he worked with Washington County Assessor Lee Ann Kizzar to get the status back.

Another issue, Ramsey said, is the track surface, with its plywood base, is easily damaged in set-up and tear-down. The new floor, which will be installed for the 2005-06 indoor track season and has an all-metal base, can be torn down in less than 18 hours, Ramsey said.

The Fayetteville advertising and promotion tax figures indicate that the Brumley Gospel Sing brings in about $1.3 million in revenue to local businesses.

“The important thing is that Fayetteville now has the largest expo center space in Northwest Arkansas,” Ramsey said.