Election day is right around the corner, and one of the most significant opportunities on the Nov. 5 ballot is the proposal to expand and renovate the FARGODOME. This beloved local venue has been a cornerstone of Fargo’s economy for over 30 years, hosting more than 3,000 events and welcoming nearly 15 million visitors. But to keep up with the demands of a growing community and continue attracting major events, the FARGODOME needs essential upgrades. Expanding the FARGODOME is more than just an investment in a building—it’s an investment in our local economy, businesses and future.

Enhancing the Visitor Experience

The proposed renovations will significantly enhance the visitor experience, making the FARGODOME a more attractive destination for large-scale events such as concerts, sports tournaments and trade shows. With the addition of new seating, improved accessibility and expanded concessions, the venue will be able to accommodate larger crowds and offer a better experience for all attendees. This is not only beneficial for eventgoers but also for local businesses that thrive on the influx of visitors.

Boosting local businesses

When people travel to Fargo for events, they spend money on hotels, restaurants, shopping, transportation and entertainment. This wave of visitors drives revenue directly to local businesses and supports the hospitality industry. For example, cities with similar convention centers or event spaces have seen significant economic benefits—like Madison, WI, which experienced over $4 million in visitor spending after expanding its convention facilities. By expanding the FARGODOME, we can increase FMWF's competitiveness in attracting these events, bringing more visitors who will fuel economic growth and provide more business for local entrepreneurs. 

Job creation and economic impact

From an economic perspective, this project will ensure the FARGODOME will be an even more extensive economic driver than it has in the past.  The annual inflation-adjusted direct economic impact on our metro community is estimated at $24-$42 million. The FARGODOME’s expansion will support job creation within the community. The project itself will generate construction-related jobs, while the increase in events and visitors will create additional opportunities for both full-time and part-time employment across various sectors, including hospitality, retail, and event management. The renovations will help sustain the 27 full-time and 500 part-time jobs the FARGODOME already supports while paving the way for even more employment as event demand grows. 

The recent Zach Bryan concert at the Alerus Center in Grand Forks has highlighted the significant economic benefits that large-scale events can bring to our region. Reports estimate that the concert generated an impressive economic impact of more than $12 million for the Grand Forks area, underscoring the value of hosting such events. 

As we consider the proposed renovations for the FARGODOME, this example reinforces the importance of maintaining a financially responsible venue that can attract similar events. The planned upgrades will be funded by a modest quarter-cent sales tax, akin to the funding model that helped construct the original FARGODOME in 1988. This ensures that the costs of the renovations won’t affect property taxes, keeping Fargo’s budget stable while allowing the venue to remain self-sustaining and competitive. 

Additionally, with a portion of the funding coming from the FARGODOME’s Permanent Fund, this project represents a smart, balanced investment in Fargo’s future. By enhancing our venue, we can further increase our capacity to host impactful events that contribute to the economic vitality of our community. 

A vote for growth

Supporting the FARGODOME expansion means supporting Fargo’s local businesses, boosting tourism, and enhancing the overall economy. It’s about preparing for future growth and ensuring that our city remains a top destination for events and entertainment. I encourage Fargo residents to vote YES on Measure 1 on November 5 to help keep our economy vibrant and our community thriving. Together, we can make Fargo an even better place to live, work and visit.