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Bell County Exposition Center and Arena

Belton, TX

Expertise

  • Municipal

Services

  • mechanical / plumbing engineering
  • electrical engineering

Size

  • 300,000 SF

Each year, the Bell County Exposition Center is home to a variety of events and entertainment including the Central Texas State Fair and the Bell County PRCA Rodeo. In 2015, after the owner saw a need for more space, increased capacity, and additional buildings, BHB was tasked with providing MEP engineering services for the renovation and addition of the Bell County Expo Center. The project consisted of the design for HVAC, plumbing, fire protection, lighting, and power for a new show arena, a new warm-up arena/stall barn, and the existing arena/exhibit space. The updated facility opened to the public in 2018.

The mechanical scope of work included ventilating the non-conditioned warm-up arena with HVLS and side fans, and fully conditioning the new performance arena complete with horse stalls, a kitchen and dining area, conference space, and a smaller secondary kitchen. Since it was advised to not put any equipment on the arena’s metal roof, the mechanical team had the challenge of making sure vents and fans were all located inside of the facility. BHB’s electrical engineers were tasked with providing power and lighting throughout the facility, as well as the installation of five integrated power centers located in the parking lot that served 43 RV pedestals. The new arena was illuminated with CREE LED light fixtures, and a 16.7 KW central battery inverter system was installed on the mechanical mezzanine to provide emergency lighting for both the main and warmup arenas.

Key People

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