The Lazy E Arena in Guthrie, Oklahoma has always been a hub for cowboy sports and events. Owned by the McKinney family, the arena has a rich history and has recently become the epicenter of the cowboy world during challenging times.
Originally built by newspaper publisher and entertainment magnate E.K. Gaylord II in 1984, the Lazy E Arena was intended to host the National Finals of Steer Roping along with the National Finals Rodeo. Despite the NFR moving to Las Vegas the following year, the NFSR continued to take place at the Lazy E for several decades.
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The arena has hosted various events over the years, including the Timed Event Championship, Bullnanza, Dodge National Circuit Finals, and USTRC National Finals of Team Roping. In 2005, the Gaylord family sold the Lazy E to Wes Adams and Michael Coronado. However, when Wes passed away in 2011, his family contemplated parting with the arena.
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Fortunately, the McKinney family, who also own Reliance Ranches in Texas, expressed their interest in acquiring the Lazy E. Having been clients of the ranch side of the property since 2004, the McKinneys were familiar with the staff and the potential of the arena. After going through a rigorous due diligence process, they finalized the purchase in November of 2013.
The McKinneys didn’t see the arena solely as a money-making venture. They recognized its significance as a pillar of the Western community and aimed to bring it back to its former glory. To achieve this, they invested in renovations, including adding a covered area, remodeling the cantina and restrooms, and expanding the property with a warm-up arena and a bridge over the lake.
Under the leadership of General Manager and Vice President Dan Wall, the Lazy E Arena started attracting top-tier events by highlighting its unique features. Contrary to concerns about its location, the privately-owned arena’s single, gated entrance, picturesque lake, and family-friendly environment became selling points. Their efforts paid off, and the Lazy E hosted the National Little Britches Finals in 2016.
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When the COVID-19 pandemic hit the country, the Lazy E Arena demonstrated its resilience. Despite losing eight events in March, April, and May, the arena was able to adapt. The Professional Bull Riders (PBR) approached them with a plan to host the first professional sporting event during the pandemic, and the Lazy E embraced the opportunity after extensive safety planning. With the support of local and state officials, the arena reduced its capacity, implemented sanitation measures, and ensured social distancing protocols.
This flexibility and adaptability led to additional premier events being hosted at the Lazy E. The Bob Feist Invitational and the National High School Finals Rodeo both relocated to the arena, attracting record numbers of participants and spectators. The Lazy E’s ability to handle these monumental events can be attributed to its dedicated team, which includes event directors, maintenance personnel, and a responsive floor crew.
For the McKinney family and their staff, the Lazy E Arena represents more than just a business. They are passionate about preserving and promoting the Western lifestyle. By hosting youth events and providing a platform for rodeo and Western sports, they aim to create unforgettable experiences and contribute to the future of the industry.
In a time when public facilities are shuttered, the Lazy E Arena stands tall as a beacon of hope for the cowboy world. With its rich history, ongoing renovations, and a committed team, the arena continues to thrive and support the Western community.
Source: https://t-tees.com
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