BAY MINETTE, Ala. — The city arena is nearly complete, James Phillips told the Bay Minette City Council on April 6.

"The arena is coming along quite nicely," he told the council members. "We have the concession stand and restrooms completed to the point of pressure testing.

"The sewer and water were hooked up today."

Phillips said North Baldwin EMC was working on the power and the sidewalks had been poured as well.

"We'll probably work on the bleachers in the next few weeks," he said.

He said there have been some problems with standing water when it rains, but said they are working on that problem as well.

Despite the unfinished portions of the facility, Phillips said they have already hosted a couple of rodeos and have more planned.

"The National Barrel Racing Association recently held an event and they had 250 participants," he said. He said the facility can also be used for families, groups and others who need somewhere to hold an event.

"There will be a high school rodeo in May, and the (North Baldwin) Search and Rescue is having a professional rodeo June 5-6," he said.

He said Bay Minette has a history of rodeos, and even "used to be the place for rodeos."

"Robertsdale recently hosted a rodeo. They have seating for 4,000 and it was standing room only," Phillips said. "If you can bring 4,000 people in you're going to see an economic impact."

ferent this year — a rodeo queen contest.

"It will be for girls 14 to 21 and the top prize will be a $200 scholarship," he said. He said the Rodeo Queen would have to meet certain criteria including "pretty high moral standards."

"They will have to have good grades and submit a letter of recommendation," he said. He said the rules of the rodeo include not being able to enter the arena floor unless wearing a Western hat, long sleeve shirt and boots. "The girls will have to be wearing that, too," he said.

"We'd like to grow this over the years, too," he said.

For more information on renting the arena, contact city hall at (251) 580-1637.