For 122 years, the Flathead County Fairgrounds has served as a pivotal center for education, social activities, recreation, and commerce for residents of Flathead County and its neighbors. The Fairgrounds' arena and seating structures, approaching their centennial, are visibly worn from decades of use. In February 2024, as part of a broader capital improvement effort, Flathead County launched a project to design and build a new seating structure—complete with concessions and additional amenities—to replace the North Bleachers adjacent to the larger covered Grandstand.
Given their age and condition, the existing North Bleachers were deemed unsafe for use during the 2024 event season by the project team. Additionally, to adhere to the 2021 International Building Code (IBC), which requires annual inspections of bleachers and grandstands by qualified personnel, the team advised a thorough inspection of the Covered Grandstand and Infield Bleachers. Signs of wear on the Covered Grandstand necessitate an expert evaluation to ensure ongoing structural integrity.
Out of an abundance of caution, Flathead County has made the difficult decision to not allow spectators on the Covered Grandstand until the inspection takes place. Flathead County is in the process of coordinating with structural engineering experts to facilitate an inspection and assessment. Further information will be provided when available.
Fairgrounds Director Sam Nunnally commented, “We are reevaluating our arena events. No decisions will be finalized until further inspections are conducted. Ensuring public safety remains our top priority, and it will guide our actions.”
Plans for 2024 events, including the 2024 Northwest Montana Fair, will be evaluated based on the upcoming inspections and recommendations.
Frequently Asked Questions
The closure timeline is currently unknown. The reopening of the Grandstand and bleachers will depend on the inspection results and any recommended repairs or replacements. The Flathead County Commissioners have contracted Martin/Martin Consulting Engineers to conduct a visual structural assessment of the Grandstands tentatively beginning June 17, 2024, focusing on the support structure's durability. The final report is expected by June 21, 2024, but this date is subject change.
We will be updating information here, on the Flathead County Fairgrounds page. If specific events have been redirected to alternate venues, we will post all new locations and any other changes to the event here. You can also email with any inquiries.
As of right now, all previously scheduled events using the Fairgrounds Arena are being redirected to other venues. All other events scheduled at the Fairgrounds Trade Center, Expo Building, and all other areas not utilizing the Arena will proceed as originally planned.
We will be updating information here, on the Flathead County Fairgrounds page, as inspections are completed, and recommendations are made.
The North Bleachers have been closed due to their condition. Flathead County has also decided to close the arena Covered Grandstand and Infield Bleachers to ensure public safety until detailed inspections are completed and we can be assured they are safe for public use.
Only the North Bleachers have been formally inspected. There are many areas of the North Bleachers that show significant signs of rot and deterioration of the wood structure, framing, and beams. Based upon the existing observed condition, the North Bleachers were recommended to be closed to the public in its current state. A formal inspection of the Covered Grandstand and Infield Bleachers has not been completed yet. Flathead County is currently searching for a qualified party to conduct full inspections of the Grandstand and Infield Bleachers.
Detailed inspection of the Grandstand and Infield Bleachers was not part of the scope of work for the North Bleacher project. Due to the size and complexity of the Covered Grandstand structure, Flathead County is searching for a structural engineer with extensive experience in arena and stadium seating to conduct the inspection.
As of right now, we are looking into alternative options to possibly keep the 2024 rodeo and summer concerts at the Fairground without using the Covered Grandstands and infield bleachers. We are also exploring alternative locations for these events and will keep this platform updated as soon as definitive solutions are found.
The Fairgrounds are working with other Flathead venues to absorb Covered Grandstand events that would have been held in the Fairgrounds arena.
No. The carnival, livestock auction, and other attractions will continue as normal. Exhaustive effort is going toward finding possible solutions to keep the rodeo and summer concerts at the fairgrounds, but alternative venues for the events are also being considered.