WestWorld of Scottsdale | Scottsdale

WestWorld of Scottsdale is a major, municipally-owned events facility located in Scottsdale, Arizona, designed to accommodate large-scale equestrian, automotive, lifestyle, and consumer events year-round. Set against the dramatic backdrop of the McDowell Mountains, it combines versatile indoor and outdoor space, modern infrastructure, and extensive parking with a unique Southwestern atmosphere.

🧭 Overview and Location

Address: 16601 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85260

Size: Over 386 acres of developed land

Located just off Loop 101 freeway in North Scottsdale, making it easily accessible from anywhere in the Greater Phoenix area.

Scenic views of the surrounding desert and mountains enhance its appeal for both visitors and event organizers.

🏟 Key Facilities and Venues

1. Tony Nelssen Equestrian Center

This is the signature facility within WestWorld and serves as the core venue for many of its major events:

Equidome Arena

Fully enclosed, climate-controlled arena

Seating for 3,400 people

Suitable for horse shows, rodeos, and motor exhibitions

North Hall

Approx. 117,000 sq ft of flexible exhibit space

Ideal for car shows, home expos, and lifestyle exhibitions

South Hall

About 37,000 sq ft of additional exhibition space

Often used for smaller events or as auxiliary space during large-scale shows

These halls are highly adaptable, with advanced lighting, HVAC systems, and support for extensive audiovisual setups.

2. Wendell Arena

Open-air arena with seating for approximately 6,800 spectators

Used for rodeo competitions, equestrian jumping, motorsports, and even high school football or music events

Can be customized for temporary staging and additional grandstands

3. Monument & Polo Fields

Expansive grass polo fields and outdoor event lawns

Hosts Scottsdale Polo Championships, hot air balloon festivals, and outdoor concerts

Also used for festivals, car shows, and corporate gatherings

🚐 RV and Camping Facilities

WestWorld includes one of the most complete urban RV parks in the region:

Over 470 full-hookup RV sites

Available for both event participants and general visitors

Competitive rates (typically $57/night) with a 14-day maximum stay

Well-managed, paved lots with power, water, and dump stations

Ideal for those attending multi-day events like horse shows or automotive auctions

🚗 Parking and Infrastructure

Total parking capacity exceeds 13,000 vehicles

Includes both paved and unpaved lots, supporting large crowd flow and event logistics

Handicap-accessible parking and shuttle systems are often available during larger festivals

🗓 Notable Annual Events

WestWorld is known for hosting some of the biggest and most recognizable events in Arizona, such as:

Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction (January)

One of the largest and most famous collector car auctions in the world

Brings in thousands of visitors, media, and celebrities

Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show

The largest Arabian horse show in the world

Held annually since 1955, drawing international competitors and breeders

International Off-Road & UTV Expo

A showcase of off-road vehicles, aftermarket parts, and desert racing culture

Scottsdale Polo Party

A mix of polo matches, fashion shows, and VIP hospitality

Marketed as the “most interesting polo event in the world”

Other events include dog shows, RV expos, gem and mineral shows, food and wine festivals, and public safety exhibitions.

🏗 Technological & Event Capabilities

All major venues are wired for internet, fiber optics, video feeds, and audio systems

Support staff available on-site for electrical, lighting, and event services

Climate-controlled indoor spaces allow for year-round programming, even during summer

Onsite vendors and catering options available for turnkey event planning

🏜 Surrounding Area and Attractions

Close to top-tier Scottsdale resorts, golf courses, and dining

Nearby attractions include Taliesin West, McDowell Sonoran Preserve, and Scottsdale Quarter

Ideal for combining event attendance with tourism or luxury accommodations

🔧 Management and Operations

Owned and operated by the City of Scottsdale

WestWorld is public-use but also serves as a venue for private rentals and corporate events

Continuous upgrades and investments have expanded its capabilities to handle increasingly complex event needs

WestWorld of Scottsdale stands as one of the most versatile and well-equipped event complexes in the American Southwest. Whether hosting an international horse show or a collector car auction with tens of thousands of attendees, it offers scalable, modern facilities while maintaining a distinctly Southwestern charm.