California Rodeo Salinas breaks ground on Taylor Farms Pedestrian Bridge

SALINAS, Calif. (KION) The California Rodeo Association broke ground Wednesday, December 3, at the Salinas Sports Complex on the Taylor Farms Pedestrian Bridge project. The bridge will create better traffic flow as well as a better experience for people attending the rodeo.

The arched bridge will stand 25 feet tall and will span 224 feet, stretching across the south end of the track surrounding the rodeo arena. It will connect the south end of the west grandstands to the south grandstands.

As the California Rodeo Salinas has grown over the years, organizers have struggled with accommodating larger groups of people. Rodeo leaders say they have been talking about ways to safely move groups from one area to another for years.

Seating for the annual California Rodeo Salinas will be located on all sides of the arena and the largest seating area will be at the west grandstand. More seating and other attractions will be located in the center of the track as well as on the east side of the arena. Getting to those locations requires people to cross the track during the performance.

The planned bridge will allow people attending the rodeo to walk freely around the complex during the show without causing any delays.

Rodeo Director Jerry Bunker is working with Southern Bleachers of Graham, Texas to construct the bridge. They are the same company who built the existing grandstands at the Salinas Sports Complex.

“The pedestrian bridge will be a great addition to the California Rodeo, the largest professional rodeo in the state, providing much improved convenience and safety for fans and track activities,” says Jerry Bunker.

The bridge is also set to include a lift to accommodate people in wheel chairs or fans who bring strollers.

Depending on weather condition and the availability of materials, the project is estimated to be complete in February 2021.