NRHA expected to pump millions of dollars into local economy

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OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — Preparations are in full gallop at the new OG&E Coliseum for the National Reining Horse Association Derby.
Over the next two weeks, the event is expected to pump millions of dollars into our local economy.
'Top-notch. It's unbelievable,' said Matt Palmer, a professional rider for Pennsylvania.
Professional reiners, some earning millions in annual winnings, are getting in their first runs and turns at the new OG&E Coliseum.
Ribbon is cut on the new OG&E Coliseum, now officially open
They're impressed.
'It's probably the nicest arena that we will show in the entire country,' said Jason Vanlandingham. 'More people are going to want to take their high-dollar animals here.'
That's high praise for the arena paid for with MAPS 4 money.
Billy Smith manages the derby, along with other riding competitions. He said cities are fighting to host these huge money makers.
'The more amenities, the better,' said Smith.
In fact, this event alone pumps an estimated $8.8 million into the local economy.
'Visitors are the best taxpayers we have. They come, they spend money, and they leave,' said Mayor David Holt during the ribbon cutting of the new facility.
'It's a true international competition,' said Smith.
Smith said the key is making sure customers come, want to stay, and then return. Horse teams, friends, family, and spectators all spend money here for two weeks.
'We do like some of the really good restaurants around here that we like to go enjoy,' said Palmer.
For decades, the event was hosted at the Jim Norick Arena.
'We got famous in that pen,' said Vanlandingham.
However, it was built back in 1965, after former Mayor Ron Norick's father.
'We knew it was wore out and we had to do something about it,' said Ron Norick during the ribbon cutting.
So, the city did something.
Smith said the new OG&E arena will keep the event here, attracting the best riders from Las Vegas, Texas, Florida, and across the world.
'People like us aren't going to be looking any other place because this is the standard now,' said Smith.
'This is bigger. The pen is shaped a little bit bigger. So, it's going to be easier to get our horses shown,' said Vanlandingham.
'You get the cold chills when you walk in right before the game starts,' said Palmer.
It's a new era for this sport and its riders.
'We just want to make more history here at the OG&E,' said Dani Latimer, a professional rider.
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