Red River Scrapbook
Will Rogers Memorial Center's historic Backstage Club becoming available for year-round use
By media release
Aug 28, 2011
FORT WORTH, TX – Equestrian guests will no longer need to leave the Will Rogers Memorial Center (WRMC) grounds in order to get a hearty meal or relax with a refreshing beverage in a comfortable atmosphere. In response to the increasing needs of large equestrian shows and other public events, WRMC and the City of Fort Worth have entered into a public/private partnership with Reata Restaurant to open two dining locations on-site for year-round use.
Reata at the Backstage will begin year-round service on an as-needed basis on August 23, with the arrival of Fort Worth’s latest equestrian event, the National Reining Horse Association Cowtown Classic (August 23-27, 2011). La Espuela Mexican Cantina will be operational for future equestrian events, including the Reichert Celebration (September 2-11, 2011).
“We are proud to now be offering a welcoming environment with quality food and a variety of beverages to our growing number of event guests on a year-round basis, It’s important to us that Fort Worth visitors are provided with convenient refreshments in a relaxed atmosphere on the Will Rogers grounds,” said Kirk Slaughter, Public Events Director for the City of Fort Worth. “Reata’s established reputation for operating a successful catering business will also allow Will Rogers to provide two unique event space alternatives for other private events – such as wedding receptions, private parties and corporate events – while generating additional revenue for the facility.”
Reata at the Backstage has been in operation during the annual Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo since 2007. Overlooking the coliseum, the Stock Show’s Backstage Club has an extensive history of dining and social gathering for more than 50 years. The popular club has been frequented each year by politicians, movie stars and other celebrities enjoying an experience that can only be found in the Will Rogers Coliseum.
No membership will be required for access to Reata at the Backstage during other equestrian events, as is customary during the Stock Show. The popular club’s authentic western décor and furnishings will remain the same, but will now be permanently housed at the Backstage Club. When show attendance is at its peak, both lunch and dinner will be served and a full bar will be provided.
“We are looking forward to serving a variety of guests from around the world at our two new event locations. This is an excellent public/private partnership for large equestrian shows, and is also the perfect alternative to offer Fort Worth another creative and quality space for private parties,” said Mike Micallef, president of Reata Restaurant. “For the time being, Reata and Will Rogers will together evaluate the needs of each event space on a show-by-show basis. We want to encourage local individuals to take advantage of this new rental facility as well.”
La Espuela opened during the annual Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo in January 2011, and is also operated by Reata Restaurant. The installation of audio visual equipment – including five 60” televisions and one 120” screen – will allow event guests to be able to view arena activities while remaining in the on-site restaurant. A sidewalk café is also being planned for the northwest corner of the Moncrief Building .
Similar cuisine to the Stock Show’s annual restaurants will be served at both locations, including appetizers, salads, entrees and desserts. La Espuela will expand beverage service to also offer a full bar. To learn more about reserving Reata at the Backstage or La Espuela for your special event, please contact David Reeves at WRMC at (817) 392-8160 or David.Reeves@fortworthgov.org.
Established in Fort Worth in 1936 to house events near downtown and in the Cultural District, the Will Rogers Memorial Center now attracts in excess of 2 million visitors each year. This 85-acre facility plays host to an extensive variety of cultural, educational, recreational and sporting events and has become a premier destination for national and international equestrian events.
www.willrogersmemorialcenter.com
The Fort Worth Convention & Visitors Bureau is the official destination marketing organization of the 16th-largest city in the United States . The organization is dedicated to promoting Fort Worth as a premier business and leisure destination, with thriving centers of culture and commerce. www.FortWorth.com