Hale Arena

Not a bad venue. I am here for a dog show and there are not that many spectators. Accommodations seem adequate. Bathrooms are clean and there is a coffee concession. Parking was easy, too. No complaints.

This small arena, part of the American Royal complex, is on the site of the old stockyards, smack in the middle of the Bottoms. At about 5,000 capacity, it’s a quarter of the size of its next-​door companion facility, Kemper Arena. It’s mostly used for livestock competitions of all varieties: rodeo, cutting horse, &c. — as well as the exalted American Royal BBQ competition that occurs annually in October. Seats in the arena are bleachers, not very comfortable, but at least they have backs on the benches. There’s a very nice little museum to the right of the entrance, worth a stroll through to see old photos & artifacts of the glory days of the stockyards & rodeos, as well as some cheesy-​but-​fun interactive exhibits for the little kids. Saddle up, y’all.