Elk Foundation gets Heritage Arena clearance
Teton County, Wyoming officials will modify rules to accommodate a Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation banquet at the Heritage Arena.
The 49,000 square foot, heated, indoor arena was built for use for livestock and agricultural events. It has hosted a variety of large scale events including the Jackson Hole Ski Swap, Fireman’s Ball, and concerts that attract hundreds and even thousands of people.
However, a recent review of construction and relevant fire codes revealed that without major upgrades, the building was not compliant for large events. At the end of April, Teton County Fire Marshal Kathy Clay determined the building’s occupancy should not exceed more than 160 people at a time.
“This is a result of my committed effort to make sure our public is safe when they are going into public buildings,” Clay said.
The county notified affected vendors, who normally use the building during the fall, so they could find another venue.
But, the determination came just two weeks before the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation annual banquet. The banquet normally attracts 400 people, exceeding new fire code limits.
County Commissioners determined the Foundation probably would not have enough time to book another venue without significant hardship, so they granted a unique exemption. The Foundation booked the venue in August 2018.
As a result, the county will take extra measures to ensure the public’s safety during the event. That will include adequate emergency lighting and fire watch security guards.
“The fire code offers the ability to perform a Fire Watch on the structure,” Clay said. “Security members will be present to watch for emergencies and direct people should an event occur. With Fire Watch and emergency egress lighting, life safety protection will be enhanced within the Heritage Arena for the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation’s banquet.”
For the future, though, the fairgrounds will only accept Heritage Arena use applications for events that will not exceed 160 people at a time.
