Picture Courtesy of Magana Media. Pictured Left to Right: Fort Bend County Fair Association Board Directors: Neil Yelderman, Sean Gutierrez, Calvin Zwahr, Cecil Willis, Marjie Pollard, Bobby Poncik, James Duke, Brian Graeber, Ernest Lawson, and Cindy Schmidt; Fort Bend County Judge, Bob Hebert; Commissioner Precinct 1, Vincent Morales; Fairgrounds Manager Mary Staff; Commissioner Precinct 4, James Patterson; Abe Sustaita, Sustaita Architects; Fort Bend County Facilities Director Jamie Knight; Brad Crain, Crain Group; John Green, Crain Group
FORT BEND COUNTY, TX – Fort Bend County Officials and Fair Association Board Directors gathered Thursday, September 21, 2017, to celebrate the Grand Opening of the Fort Bend County Fairgrounds’ newly completed George Pavilion, previously George Livestock Barn. At 86,000 square feet, the pavilion’s improved area is approximately twice as large as the previous space and the seating capacity more than doubled. The new facility features a higher level of lighting, improved air circulation, heating over the arena and bleacher area, and new concession, restrooms and office. The pavilion includes a concrete slab throughout for versatile mixed-use capability. Additionally, a new public parking lot has been constructed, and numerous improvements to the drainage system around the Fairgrounds have been completed. The total project cost for the new pavilion was $3,962,000. The original George Livestock Barn was made possible by a significant monetary donation by the A.P. George Grant in 1974. Judge Robert Hebert said, “The new George Pavilion will provide greater comfort to spectators and exhibitors, and better conditions for the animals being shown at the fair or at any of the various events held at the fairgrounds throughout the year.”