Future Betty Knoebel Arena Celebrated at Ceremonial Groundbreaking
Denver, CO — The National Western celebrated philanthropists Fritz and Betty Knoebel and the future home of the Betty Knoebel Arena during a ceremonial groundbreaking at the National Western Center.
The arena, which will be part of the planned Equestrian Center, acknowledges Betty Knoebel’s love of horses as well as her legacy of philanthropy and transformational support of higher education and medical research. Construction on the Equestrian Center is expected to begin in early 2027.
“The Betty Knoebel Arena will be an important part of the National Western Center and the future of the National Western Stock Show,” said Wes Allison, President and CEO of National Western. “It will give us new opportunities to showcase equestrian sport, welcome competitors and audiences from around the country, and create memorable experiences for generations to come. We are incredibly grateful to Betty and the Knoebel family for investing not only in this facility, but in the young people who will shape the future of agriculture and the equine industry.”
Knoebel Family Celebrating the Ceremonial Groundbreaking
Knoebel Family with Innagural Scholarship Recipients
As part of the celebration, the National Western and Knoebel Foundation announced the Fritz & Betty Knoebel Equestrian Scholarship Program, which will support students pursuing equine sciences and related fields and help young people turn their passion for horses and agriculture into careers. The gift is an endowment intended to offer annual scholarships in perpetuity. The program’s inaugural scholarship recipients were recognized during the event, with 10 students each receiving a $10,000 scholarship.
The Betty Knoebel Arena, part of the future Equestrian Center, represents a significant investment in facilities that support the National Western Stock Show and year-round activities. The transformation of the National Western Center is a multiphase redevelopment that includes new event and agricultural facilities, transportation and infrastructure improvements, and revitalization of the South Platte River. Together, the improvements are creating modern spaces for the National Western while expanding opportunities for events, education and community activities throughout the year.
Rendering of Equestrian Center on National Western Center Campus
About the National Western
The National Western is a Denver-based charitable organization dedicated to strengthening American agriculture through youth education, scholarships, and livestock, equestrian, farming, ranching, and animal stewardship enrichment programs. Best known for producing the annual National Western Stock Show (the 121st anniversary is Jan. 9-24, 2027), the organization also operates The Legacy, a premier year-round destination for events, exhibitions and Western experiences that celebrate the culture and future of the American West. For more information, visit nationalwestern.com. WE ARE THE WEST
