Changes could be coming to Washoe County vaccine, testing site due to upcoming events

RENO, Nev. (News 4 & Fox 11) — For the last year the Washoe County Health District has called the Livestock Events Center "home." In March 2020, the health district set up a drive-thru COVID-19 testing operation. In December, health officials added an additional section in the massive parking lot for COVID-19 vaccines.

The 43 acres of land on Wells Ave. in Reno sits right behind the Washoe County Complex which houses the county's health district. In the coming months, several events could require the health district to uproot their operations and move elsewhere.

After being canceled in 2020 due to the pandemic, the Reno Rodeo is set to return to the Livestock Event Center June 17-26.

George Combs, the general manager of the Reno Rodeo, says they met with Washoe County officials to discuss a plan moving forward. James English with the Washoe County Health District said it cost more than $500,000 to build the existing infrastructure at the Livestock Events Center to ensure the testing and vaccine operations run smoothly.

English said the move could temporarily shut down all operations.

The property is owned by the state of Nevada, leased to Washoe County and subleased to the Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority. Combs says the Reno Rodeo has had a long-standing lease agreement with the RSCVA for most of June.

English said there's an entire team dedicated to working on logistics should the health district be forced to move this summer. The team is looking for a centrally located venue that is paved, has freeway access, public transportation routes and can handle a large amount of vehicles in and out of the area. English said as of right now, the Livestock Event Center sees more than 2,000 people a day, which is far under the capacity.

Despite opening up ticket sales, it's still uncertain whether the rodeo will happen or not, Combs said. Rodeo officials will keep a close eye on the COVID-19 situation in Washoe County and make a decision accordingly. Combs said the decision will need to be made well in advance. He adds that there's been ongoing communication with not only Washoe County but the City of Reno and the RSCVA. Combs said there are other equestrian events set to take place at the Livestock Events Center prior to the return of the rodeo.

Combs told News 4-Fox 11 he will be meeting with officials, including assistant Washoe County manager Dave Solaro, in the coming weeks.