The county officially opened the new Expo Park grandstands this afternoon.

The old grandstands were demolished last fall, right after the 2018 Montana State Fair.

The new grandstands are about a $2.5 million project and was partially funded by a $2 million intercap loan through the Montana Board of Investment.

The county has also reconstructed the Paddock Club in conjunction with the grandstands.

Brian Clifton, county public works director, said the Paddock Club would be done around July 17 but won’t be used for the fair or horse racing this year, but county staff will use the space during the events.

Here’s some background on these two projects from the past year:

County approves additional funds for Expo Park projects; additional facility study for potential improvements

County approves $848K for Paddock Club remodel; loan documents for grandstands

Grandstands demolished, Paddock Club on commission agenda today

Demolition starts Monday for grandstands at Montana Expo Park

Paddock Club to be remodeled along with grandstand project at Expo Park

County Commission considers funding for Expo Park grandstands, budget adjustments, storage unit project