The Bolivar Arena Association is a budding 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a bold vision: to construct a full-sized, all-purpose arena on the Bolivar Peninsula. This arena aims to host a variety of events, from rodeos to barrel racing, while serving as a hub for community gatherings and a resource to support local fire departments. In the long term, the association hopes to fund scholarships for youth pursuing careers in agriculture, medicine, or emergency services.
The idea for the arena originated from the challenges of hosting Bulls on Bolivar, an event led by the Port Bolivar Volunteer Fire Department. The high costs of renting portable arenas highlighted the need for a permanent venue. Bolivar Peninsula has a rich history of rodeo culture, and the association sees this project as an opportunity to rekindle that tradition.
The proposed site is centrally located at Swedes Park, the site of the annual Texas Crab Festival…a space with ample parking and accessibility, making it an ideal choice for the arena.
Leanne Comeaux, the association’s president, leads an eight-member board comprising individuals with expertise in event planning, financial management, and legal affairs. Board members include Stacy Williams, vice president and a veteran of rodeo event organization, Jennifer Thompson, Christina and Bradley O’Dell, Brian Camp, Roz Faulhaber, and Jeff Thompson, all contributing diverse talents to the initiative.
The application for 501(c)(3) status was submitted in October, with approval expected between three months to a year. Until then, the association partners with the Texas Crab Festival to process tax-deductible donations for the project. While the nonprofit awaits formal approval, fundraising efforts are underway. Community support is vital, as donations will fund not only the arena’s construction but also its ongoing maintenance and operational costs.
The association also plans to host a community meeting in January or February to gather input and foster collaboration. The leadership hopes to energize local involvement and explore additional fundraising ideas, such as a rodeo ball or other community events.
The Bolivar Arena Association envisions the arena as more than a venue—it’s a cornerstone for community connection, economic growth, and opportunities for local youth. With strong community backing, this ambitious project can become a lasting legacy for the Bolivar Peninsula.
For updates, visit the association’s Facebook page and join the movement to bring this vision to life.
Christina ODell
February 17, 2025 at 12:10 pmSubject: Request for Permission to Use Article Segments
Hello!
My name is Christina O’Dell, and I currently serve as the Treasurer and Marketing Director for the Bolivar Arena Association. I am reaching out to request your permission to use segments of the article written by Tom Osten on our website. The article was so well-written that I couldn’t have said it better myself.
I truly appreciate your consideration and look forward to the opportunity to collaborate in the future.
Best regards,
Christina O’Dell
P.S. I am also a writer with extensive experience in magazine and newspaper articles, specializing in community stories about people and places. If you ever need a writer, I would love the opportunity to contribute. I also have experience in writing a blog. I did a small business blog that discussed important topics and legislative news as it relates to small, medium and large businesses.