Six inches of ice proved too much for the arena roof at the Saline County Fairgrounds in January. The ice caused a catastrophic collapse over the rodeo and bleachers. It also led to the loss of a livestock barn.
The Saline County Fair Association is now working with county leaders and an architect to rebuild — with plans to come back “bigger and better,” according to a statement on social media.
On January 27, 2026, officials announced that approximately six inches of ice accumulation was too much weight for the arena roof to bear, resulting in a catastrophic collapse. The damage forced the immediate closure of the fairgrounds.
Nearly a month later, on February 25, the Saline County Fair Association provided an update on recovery efforts and rebuilding plans. 👇🏼See video below of the Thomas Arena, during (1) and after (2) the collapse. Read more after the video.
1. Saline County Fairgrounds released security footage of the arena roof, falling in on the rodeo and bleachers.
2. Start at 00:32 for drone video after the collapse of Thomas Arena at the Saline County Fairgrounds.
In addition to losing the arena cover, the fairgrounds also lost one of its livestock barns — the building that traditionally houses hogs, goats, and sheep during the annual Saline County Fair. The structure was deemed no longer structurally sound following the storm.
Association leadership is working closely with Saline County officials, including Saline County Judge Matt Brumley, to coordinate mitigation and rebuilding efforts. Leaders have already met with an architect to begin designing a new arena cover.
“It will be back bigger and better,” the association shared in its update, noting that members are using past experience to improve the facility and make it something the community can be proud of.
Arena Cleanup and Repairs
Officials hope mitigation and cleanup of the arena area will be completed by the end of this week, though it could take longer. Several key repairs and safety measures must be addressed before reopening, according to their statement. The following are items among the focus:
Arena fencing:
Some fencing sustained damage and will require replacement bull wire panels and piping.
Arena floor:
Safety is a top priority. Members plan to walk the arena to remove visible pieces of metal or roofing debris. After that, magnets will be used to collect any hidden metal fragments to prevent injuries to animals.
Announcer’s stand:
The structure was demolished in the collapse. While the sound system was salvaged, the stand itself was crushed.
Chutes:
Newly installed chutes were largely spared, sustaining only cosmetic damage.
Bleachers:
The north-side bleachers remain intact. On the south side, the framework appears stable, but the wooden seating will need replacement.
Roof additions:
Two newer roof extensions survived the storm. These areas cover the back pens and waiting area on one end, and the exhaust pens and area in front of the concession stand on the other.
Lighting and electrical:
Power to the arena area is currently shut off. Electrical systems will require repair and improvement before service can be restored.
Livestock Barn Mitigation
The livestock barn is currently undergoing mitigation. Fairground officials say the roof shifted approximately six inches at the eave and was leaning north. Crews are removing the roof and upper structure. Existing pens have been deemed unsafe for animals and are being dismantled as part of the process.
Design work is also underway for improvements to this area as part of the rebuild.
Immediate Goals and Fundraising Ahead
The association’s immediate goal is to reopen the arena as an open arena facility as soon as safely possible. To do so, they will need temporary lighting, temporary fencing repairs, and a temporary announcer’s stand.
While officials are actively working with an architect on long-term rebuilding plans, there is not yet a confirmed timeline for reopening. Once cost estimates are available, the association plans to begin fundraising efforts to help rebuild the facilities for long-term use.
Leaders say the goal is not just to rebuild — but to create facilities the community can utilize and be proud of for many years to come.
MySaline will update as more information becomes available.
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