National Western Center

In 2015, the foundation for the center was laid with the National Western Center Master Plan. The plan was created by the City and County of Denver, Colorado State University System, the Western Stock Show Association, the Denver Museum of Nature & Science and History Colorado. The process also included the National Western Center Citizens Advisory Committee and outreach to the greater community. The plan established a long-range vision, guiding principles, and goals for the redevelopment of the National Western Complex and Denver Coliseum, and the revitalization of this historic region of Denver. The plan sets out to accomplish four broad objectives:

• Set in motion the creation of a year-round destination to engage local visitors and promote out-of-state tourism in collaboration with partners such as Western Stock Show Association, Colorado State University System, the Denver Museum of Nature & Science and History Colorado;
• Advance the city’s intent to secure and grow the National Western Stock Show for the next 100 years as the state’s largest agriculture convention;
• Position Denver as a global player in 21st century agricultural issues that will help advance our knowledge around food production, safety, and the expansion of healthy foods at an international scale;
• Use new and improved multi-modal pathways to reconnect Globeville, Elyria, and Swansea and create a positive benefit for these communities.

NWC-Master-Plan-2015.pdf(PDF, 33MB)

In 2015, Voters overwhelmingly approved funding to help support this redevelopment program as part of Ballot Measure 2C and the City and County of Denver is dedicated to making good on commitments made to voters. Construction at the National Western Center continues, as the City and its partners remain committed to a campus that serves the community, advancing education, innovation, and inclusive economic opportunity in alignment with the NWC Master Plan.

Pedestrian Bridge (Open Procurement): The Pedestrian Bridge is an important transformational element, both regionally and locally. Regionally, it will complete a connection between the Globeville, Elyria and Swansea neighborhoods. Locally, this bridge will serve as a gateway entrance to the National Western Campus. The Pedestrian Bridge will also complete a pedestrian/bike connection to the South Platte River from both east and west. Bid Solicitation available HERE.

>Equestrian Center Development (Predevelopment): Equestrian Center, Hotel, Parking Garage, Workforce Housing, Community Building, Plaza and adaptive reuse of the historic Armour Administration Building. Project is being led by the NWC Authority. Learn more >>

Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Livestock Center (Opening January 2026): The campus’s most versatile building, providing flexible, year-round space that will support the annual Stock Show and a wide variety of activities, such as: community events, sporting events, graduations, concerts, livestock auctions, trade shows, banquets, and other uses.

Main Campus Plaza (Opening January 2026): The plaza is being constructed in conjunction with the new Livestock Center and will feature campus wayfinding, landscaping and public art by Cliff Garten.

The Legacy (Opening January 2026): The Western Stock Show Association Legacy building (The Legacy), will be the National Western Stock Show’s world headquarters. This building will serve as a home to all members of the National Western family. It will be a gathering place, gallery, and a watering hole for friends, cowboys and art lovers alike. Learn more >>

Riverfront Open Space (2023): 6-acres of grassy open space for recreation, relaxation, community events and connects the campus to the regional trail system. The open space features public art by Matthew Mazotta and Bimmer Torres and links to the Backyard for CSU Spur’s Hydro building.

CSU Spur (2022 & 2023): CSU Spur is a Colorado State University offering that connects with PreK-12 students, elevates research, and provides services to the community. It’s an educational destination in Denver, free and open to the public year-round. Visit csuspur.org to learn more! 

National Western Drive + Bettie Cram Drive (2022)- New multi-modal roads are open and in use.

51st Avenue Bridge (2022):The first of two planned bridges connecting to Washington Street and the Globeville neighborhood is complete. The 51st Ave Bridge features public art by local artist, David Ocelotl Garcia.

District Energy System (2022): The largest sewer-heat recovery system in North America, the District Energy System will heat and cool nearly 90% of the campus using a recycled source of thermal energy — a sewer pipeline that runs through the site — rather than burning fossil fuels. The NWC and its partners are striving to create a low-carbon campus that is sustainable and regenerative. Learn more >>

Stockyards Event Center (2021): This new 46,000sf facility is complete and Ideal for lectures, seminars, small conventions, corporate events, expos, e-sports, live music and other performances. This new building not only consolidates several facilities from years prior but also provides year-round uses and supports the Yards.

The Yards Multi-Use Space (2021) - The Yards is a flexible outdoor multi-use space that extends beyond the Stockyards Event Center, and allows for events all year round, including concerts and festivals, large equipment trade shows, and sporting events. During Stock Show, pens have power and wash racks have tempered water.

RTD Transit Station (2020) - The new RTD N line at the National Western Center station opened in September 2020 and gives residents of Elyria, Swansea and Globeville easy access to Union Station, Commerce City, Northglenn, and Thornton.

Maintenance & Operations Facility (2020) - This renovation transformed this existing 60,000sf facility into fleet maintenance shops, offices, indoor and outdoor storage yards, and Cattle Tie areas.

DRIR Rail Corridor (2020) - The consolidation and relocation of almost 3 miles of railroad tracks away from the river. Construction is complete and DRIR is using their new tracks.

Brighton Boulevard Segment No. 3 (2019) - Completed in Fall of 2019, Brighton Boulevard from 48th Avenue to Race Court is now open to vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists. 

• National Western Center Framework Agreement(PDF, 4MB)
• Elyria-Swansea Neighborhood Plan(PDF, 22MB)  
• Globeville Neighborhood Plan(PDF, 19MB)
• 1909 Stadium Building Market Feasibility Study(PDF, 3MB)
• National Western Center Traffic Impact Study(PDF, 13MB)

Additional background documents can be found on the National Western Center official website.