A new era at the Michigan Farm Bureau Pavilion: Expansion planning receives Board approval
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EmailMSU plans second indoor arena at the Michigan Farm Bureau Pavilion at MSU
EAST LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan State University (MSU) Board of Trustees has authorized the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR) to begin planning a second indoor arena at the Michigan Farm Bureau Pavilion at MSU (MFB Pavilion). Pending final construction approval from the MSU Board of Trustees, a new arena will increase the size and quality of the facility’s events while improving experiences for animals, exhibitors and attendees.
“Guests and facility users have called for additional space at the MFB Pavilion for years, and we’re excited to start the planning process for this addition,” said Matt Daum, dean and associate provost of CANR. “Early-phase funding commitments from donors and industry partners in the coming months will determine the shape this new space will take.”
With feedback from stakeholders in Michigan’s animal agriculture communities, CANR leadership will explore two proposed expansions to the MFB Pavilion. Both concepts would create an attached indoor arena, eliminating the need to warm up animals in the elements before showing and creating new exhibition space.
- FOUNDATIONAL CONCEPT [estimated cost: $10-11 million]: provides 24,000 square feet of indoor arena space on the east side of the MFB Pavilion.
- EXPANDED CONCEPT [estimated cost: $16-19 million]: provides 40,700 square feet of indoor arena space on the west side of the MFB Pavilion. This addition includes a small lobby, raised seating for 200 spectators and would allow users to control access to portions of the facility.
“We’d like to offer the Expanded Concept’s scaled-up size and functionality to MFB Pavilion users, but there’s a significant cost difference between the two models,” said George Smith, director of MSU AgBioResearch. “If this facility and the events you’ve experienced here have had an impact in your life, your support now will help to set the course for its future.”
The Farm Bureau Pavilion hosts nearly 100 events each year, ranging from commercial events to livestock exhibitions, horse shows and youth programming. Cornerstone events include the annual Spartan Stampede Rodeo, the Michigan Livestock Exhibition, 4-H and FFA youth events, the Michigan Horse Expo and the Lansing Home and Garden Show.
The facility hosts 100,000 guests annually, including regional agricultural producers, youth, families and exhibitors, who visit the pavilion over the course of approximately 250 days of programming. From local restaurants and hotel guests to local commerce, these events generate over $7 million in revenue for the local economy, totaling approximately $161 million since the facility opened in 1996.
The pavilion was renamed in 2024 to reflect a gift agreement between MSU and the Michigan Farm Bureau Family of Companies. The agreement, the first of its kind on MSU’s campus, allows Michigan Farm Bureau and future naming partners to benefit from valuable visibility at this showcase facility while supporting timely investments in CANR infrastructure.
