Majestic Valley marks 10-year milestone

The idea for a world-class indoor arena in the Flathead Valley sprang from a rather simple need: Local cowboys needed a place to be cowboys.

“There were a bunch of us ropers, and there was nowhere to rope,” Bob Parker recalled.

So Parker, a plumber by trade, along with several other partners took on the mammoth task of building the $6 million Majestic Valley Arena north of Kalispell. A study by the Flathead Valley Equestrian Foundation had shown a need for a local indoor arena.

The facility opened in April 2002 and by anyone’s standards was impressive. Parker had promised Majestic Valley wouldn’t be just “another dingy cow palace,” and he delivered on that promise.

Two indoor arenas with 55,750 square feet of space, plus two outdoor arenas totaling another 45,000 square feet, are the anchors of Majestic Valley. A 3,200-square-foot pavilion and 354 stalls and stable accommodations round out the complex.

Ten years later, Parker’s partners have headed in different directions and he and his wife, Jan, are the sole proprietors of the facility.

It hasn’t always been an easy ride, Parker assured.

The country still was reeling from the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks in 2001 when construction of Majestic Valley was under way. Travel had been disrupted in a big way, and Americans generally were sticking close to home in the months following the terrorist attacks.

There was no turning back, though, and Majestic Valley opened with an inaugural concert featuring country star Aaron Tippin.

Through the years the arena has accommodated a wide range of events — rodeos, country and rock concerts, monster truck shows, boxing matches, political rallies, weddings, trade shows, high school graduations and plenty of equestrian events.

Business rolled along during the Flathead’s growth spurt from 2005 to 2007, but by early 2009 the national recession began affecting the valley in a big way and Majestic Valley was forced to close for the winter months.

“We had a number of horse show cancellations, and to heat the place during the cold months, you couldn’t charge enough rent to make it pay,” Parker said.

The price of diesel was blamed in large part for the decision to close down the arena that winter of 2009. Fewer horses were being trailered across the country to events at Majestic Valley, and the economic slump meant patrons just didn’t have as much money to spend on going to concerts or horse shows.

The arena was put up for sale that year, too, but the Parkers said at the time they intended to  hold out until they found the right buyer. There were no takers as the local economy continued to suffer.

Parker used the down time to reorganize his marketing strategy. Until then the Parkers themselves had promoted events, a feat that took a lot of time and energy. So they pulled the plug on their role as promoters.

“We decided it was easier on us to just provide a world-class facility,” Parker explained. “To let other people bring their passion to it.”

Bob Pecora, executive director of the World Class Bucking Horse Association, said the arena pretty much sells itself.

“This is the best place to have the [bucking horse] finals,” he said.

Pecora laughs when he recalls how he envisioned using the facility for horse training.

“I was in Texas in 2000 and had heard about Majestic Valley,” Pecora said. “I told my sister, ‘Call ’em up and tell them I want to use the whole thing for horse training.’ Then when I saw it I said ‘whoa.’ They built it big.”

Parker intended to use horse boarding as a financial foundation for the arena. He envisioned the facility attracting trainers from throughout the country, but long-term boarding was discontinued after the first two years of operation as the arena became a venue for large events.

“Boarding got to the point where we couldn’t provide what they were paying for,” Parker said. “It was a business decision to not do boarding. It just wasn’t fair.

“We’ve had our ups and downs through the years. We’ve struggled along with the valley, but as with any business, we’ve had to adjust and develop new offerings for our customers,” he said.

Parker said he’s thankful for many relationships he’s developed in the equine industry through the years, especially his connections to the Browning and Cut Bank areas. An American Indian medicine man came to bless the property when the arena was built, and his family danced as part of the grand opening.

“They’ve been big supporters,” he said of the rodeo community across the Continental Divide. “Some of the best ropers are from the reservation. They’re definitely an asset to us.”

Pecora said the equine industry is slowly recovering from the recession, and that’s encouraging to him and others who make their living with horses.

The Kalispell Convention and Visitor Bureau has taken an active role in recent years in promoting Majestic Valley Arena.

“The economic impact that is created by our public-assembly venues is very important to the long-term sustainability during times that we need to drive visitation,” said Rob Brisendine of the bureau. “Majestic Valley Arena is truly a gem for Montana and our ability to offer this venue all year long is a significant economic driver to our community.”

The arena has been a work in progress, and Parker believes some of its best chapters are yet to be written.

Majestic Valley continues to draw a variety of events. This weekend the Montana USAW freestyle/Greco state wrestling championships are under way at the arena. Next weekend the World Class Bucking Horse Futurity is on tap.

Parker is excited about the Clinton Anderson clinic planned Sept. 8-9, an event featuring the famous Australian horse trainer that’s expected to draw more than 3,000 people each day.

“People still crave the Western lifestyle,” Parker said. “We’re looking forward to the next 10 years.”

Anniversary celebration

Majestic Valley Arena will mark its 10th anniversary with a celebration for the public from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 3, at the arena, 3630 U.S. 93 N.

There will be rodeo demonstrations, live country music, complimentary food and beverages, and children’s activities provided by Western Life Enhancement Foundation.

Features editor Lynnette Hintze may be reached at 758-4421 or by e-mail at lhintze@dailyinterlake.com.