Overview

When eight-time PRCA world champion roper Speed Williams set out to build a premier covered arena in Comanche, Texas, he wasn’t just thinking about the next chapter of his career—he was investing in the future of rodeo. This project aimed to create a state-of-the-art, all-weather training facility that would serve both his personal needs and the ongoing development of his roping academy. The goal was to design a space reflecting his professional standards and passion for teaching while supporting the broader roping community through education, mentorship, and shared experience.

Building Purpose

Every detail of this 150x200x16 covered arena was crafted with purpose, serving as far more than just a training space for Speed. It was built to meet the intense demands of competitive roping while supporting year-round use at the highest level. Its expansive clear span allows horses to reach full speed without obstruction, and its elevated height ensures unrestricted movement for ropers refining their technique.

Beyond the performance-driven design, the facility was thoughtfully constructed with comfort, care, and longevity in mind. Modern stalls, dedicated veterinary and rehabilitation areas, and innovative features such as adjustable roping chutes and real-time video analysis systems create an environment built for growth. It’s more than a personal arena; it’s a hub for clinics, workshops, and community connection—a space that supports Speed’s present goals and helps shape the sport’s future.

Project Challenges

Custom Facility Complexity
Bringing Speed Williams’ vision to life wasn’t simple—it came with its own set of challenges. Every part of the facility had to be carefully thought out and engineered, from the layout and orientation to the structural details and environmental factors. Building a space fit for professional training meant everything had to be precise, which called for creative thinking, technical know-how, and a strong partnership with the client from start to finish.

Structural Miscalculation Disrupts Project Timeline
A major issue arose when a third-party engineering firm miscalculated the concrete foundation design. The mistake went unnoticed until a quarter of the concrete was poured, causing a costly, two-week delay and widespread frustration. In a facility like this—where structural integrity is vital—precise foundation work is essential, especially for wide-clear span designs with no tolerance for error.

Structural Design Requirements for Roping Performance
Speed Williams had firm performance requirements: the arena had to be wide enough for horses to run full speed without obstruction and tall enough for unrestricted rope throws. Delivering both a broad clear span and ample vertical clearance—within budget and structural limits—
demanded close collaboration between engineers, builders, and the client. These design elements were central to the facility’s function and required precise execution.

Solutions Provided

Immediate Action and Accountability
At Coastal Steel Structures, we believe that the accurate measure of a company lies in how it responds when things don’t go as planned—and we carried that belief into every phase of this project. When the foundation error came to light, our team didn’t hesitate. Although the mistake originated with a third-party engineering firm, we took full responsibility, covering the entire cost of the necessary repairs. Our top priority was keeping the project on track with as little disruption as possible. But more than that, our response was about honoring our core values.

Tailored Engineering Solutions Within Budget
To meet the demanding structural requirements of this high-performance arena, our engineering team collaborated closely with Speed Williams and T & C Metal Builders to design a solution tailored to every detail of the project’s unique needs. The structure had to meet the wide clear span and specific height demands essential for competitive roping. Despite the inherent complexity, we delivered a custom, performance-ready building—at $10,000 under the lowest competing bid. This balance of precision engineering and cost efficiency highlights our dedication to creating value for our clients without compromising quality or functionality.

Strong Communication and Client Focused Execution
Clear and efficient communication was critical to the project’s success from start to finish. With multiple teams involved across different time zones, we prioritized transparency and seamless stakeholder coordination. Every conversation, adjustment, and milestone was approached with the client’s goals at the forefront. From rigorous quality control processes to the final touches in logistics, we executed every aspect of the build with care and precision. Our mission was to meet and exceed expectations and ensure that Speed Williams’ vision was fully realized in a facility built to inspire and perform.

Conclusions

The completed arena is a high-performance facility that brings Speed Williams’ vision to life—a legacy built with precision, purpose, and the elite standards of a world-class athlete. Delivered on time and within budget, it now anchors his daily training and serves as the foundation of his roping academy, enabling consistent, year-round use and relief from the harsh Texas climate. More than just a building, it’s a dynamic hub for growth, mentorship, and community—hosting clinics, events, and educational programs that shape the future of the sport. Every element was designed to serve a greater purpose: to foster excellence, inspire connection, and honor the heritage of roping. From concept to completion, this project was about more than construction; it was about trust, accountability, and bringing a dream to life. Coastal Steel Structures rose to every challenge, not just as a supplier, but as a dedicated partner, and this arena stands as a lasting testament to our shared values and commitment to impact.

For more information, please contact Coastal Steel Structures.