View source for Extraco Events Center

{{Short description|Sports venue in Waco, Texas}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2025}}
{{more citations needed|date=September 2014}}
{{Infobox venue
| name = Extraco Events Center
| nickname = 
| logo_image = 
| logo_caption = 
| image = Heart O' Texas Coliseum 2.jpg
| image_size = 250px
| caption = In August 2010, Waco's Heart O' Texas Coliseum was renamed Extraco Events Center
| fullname = 
| former names = Heart O' Texas Fair Complex (1953–2010)
| location = 4601 Bosque Boulevard<br>[[Waco, Texas]] 76710 U.S.
| coordinates = {{coord|31|32|19|N|97|11|12|W|type:landmark_scale:10000_region:US|display=inline,title}}
| broke_ground = January 1952
| built = 
| opened = {{Start date|1953|4|11}}
| renovated = 2000–2005
| expanded = 
| closed = 
| demolished = 
| owner = McLennan County<ref name="roofrepair">{{cite news |title=Extraco Events Center roof repair costs still unknown|first=Stephanie|last=Butts|url=https://wacotrib.com/news/mclennan_county/extraco-event-center-roof-repair-costs-still-unkown/article_90ae1520-b163-5eed-997e-f9d13841cf0b.html|newspaper=[[Waco Tribune-Herald]]|date=January 8, 2014|access-date=February 13, 2024}}</ref>
| operator = Heart of Texas Fair Inc.
| surface = 
| cost = [[US$]]1.2&nbsp;million<ref>{{cite web|title=Who We Are|url=https://www.extracoeventscenter.com/p/about/history|publisher=Extraco Events Center|access-date=February 8, 2014}}</ref>
| architect = 
| project_manager = 
| structural engineer = 
| services engineer = 
| general_contractor = 
| main_contractors = 
| capacity = 9,000
| tenants = [[Baylor Bears]] ([[NCAA Division I|NCAA]]) (1953–1988)<br>[[Waco Wizards]] ([[Western Professional Hockey League|WPHL]]) (1996–2000)
| website = {{URL|https://www.extracoeventscenter.com}}
}}

The '''Heart O' Texas Fair Complex''', now known as the '''Extraco Events Center''', is located in [[Waco, Texas]], United States. It was once the prime basketball facility for [[Baylor University]]. The H.O.T. Coliseum was constructed after [[McLennan County]] voters authorized a bond issue of $1.2&nbsp;million in the early 1950s. Despite public criticism that might be directed toward the board and individual members, it was the board's unanimous decision to build portions of the entire plant that the available money would permit. The last of five contracts was signed on January 9, 1952, and construction of the complex began soon afterward. The complex, livestock barn, ticket booths and several small buildings were constructed, paving was done and fencing enclosed the grounds. In the spring of 1953, the complex was completed, and on April 11, the formal opening was held. The complex remained home to Bears basketball, and Waco's largest concert venue, until [[Ferrell Center]], was built in 1988.

All facilities and grounds of the Fair Complex underwent renovations and/or reconstruction throughout the years of 2000 to 2005. The Complex now covers {{cvt|50|acre|m2}} of land containing modernized facilities, 700 stalls, 250 RV hook-ups and parking areas able to accommodate over 3,800 vehicles. Its facilities consist of the '''Heart O' Texas Coliseum''', [http://www.extracoeventscenter.com/p/Facilities/210 Back Porch Club], Show Pavilion, General Exhibits Building, Creative Arts Building and the recently constructed Stall Barn. The Events Center complex seats 6,000 for [[rodeo]]s and up to 9,000 for [[concert]]s.

In August 2010, officials announced that Extraco Banks signed a long-term naming rights deal, officially changing the name of the grounds to the Extraco Events Center.

The Extraco Events Center also hosts yearly events such as the [[Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus]], [[monster truck]]s, major concert acts, and has also hosted [[WWE Raw]] on several occasions.

==References==
{{Reflist|2}}

==External links==
* [https://www.extracoeventscenter.com Extraco Events Center homepage] 
*{{GNIS|1358983|Heart O' Texas Fairground}}

{{Baylor Bears men's basketball navbox}}
{{Baylor Bears women's basketball navbox}}
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[[Category:Ice hockey venues in the United States]]
[[Category:Sports venues in Waco, Texas]]
[[Category:Defunct college basketball venues in the United States]]
[[Category:Baylor Bears basketball venues]]
[[Category:Rodeo venues in the United States]]
[[Category:Indoor arenas in Texas]]
[[Category:Sports venues completed in 1953]]
[[Category:1953 establishments in Texas]]