(LUBBOCK, TX) – Tuesday, March 19 – The Moody Foundation today announced a $6 million grant to Lubbock County Expo Center, Inc. (LCEC) for the construction of a multipurpose arena and warm-up arena canopy, the first phase of the new Lubbock County Expo Center.
This grant award brings the LCEC board’s fundraising goal to only approximately $9 million remaining in order to fully fund the first phase of construction.
“The Moody Foundation and its trustees – Francie Moody-Dahlberg, Elle Moody, and I – have a special relationship with the city and surrounding areas of Lubbock. The Lubbock County Expo Center marks an exciting era for West Texas, providing fans and citizens a world-class experience in entertainment and rodeo,” said Ross Moody. “We couldn’t be happier to partner with LCEC in this transformative gift to benefit future generations of Texans.”
LCEC Board Chairman Randy Jordan said that in recognition of the Moody Foundation’s generous grant, they will name the arena, “Moody Arena”, at the Lubbock County Expo Center.
“There simply are no words to express our gratitude to the great people of the Moody Foundation,” Jordan said. “Every project has had challenges in recent years and the Expo Center has been no exception. But our multiple founding donors and sponsors, including the Moody Foundation, are putting us much closer to the finish line. Timing always is in God’s hands, and we are truly blessed.”
Elle Moody added, “After early discussions with the LCEC team, the Moody Foundation was excited to help bring this ambitious vision to life. This is about more than entertainment – the LCEC venue and Moody Arena will be a transformative space for the Lubbock community and entire region to come together,” she said. “We hope the Foundation’s gift inspires others to join us in support of this much-needed venue.”
The LCEC will be a flagship venue serving patrons and families of today and future generations. It will be a state of-the-art home for rodeos, agriculture, concerts, sports and other first-class entertainment in Lubbock.
“Once completed, this grand venue will provide not only great entertainment and educational opportunities, but also a tremendous economic boost through job creation and increased tourism, retail, restaurant and hotel business,” Jordan said.
For an interview with the Moody Foundation, please contact Elizabeth “Elle” Moody at [email protected] or by calling (409) 797-1527.
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ABOUT THE MOODY FOUNDATION
The Moody Foundation was established by W.L. Moody, Jr. and Libbie Shearn Moody in 1942 to share their good fortune and make a difference in the lives of the people of Texas. Since then, the Foundation has pledged and awarded more than $2.5 billion in grants throughout the state to organizations that have educated, healed, nurtured and inspired generations of Texans. The Moody Foundation continues with a board of three trustees: Frances Moody-Dahlberg, Ross Moody and Elizabeth “Elle” Moody. Learn more at MoodyF.org
Contact:
Kim Davis, (806) 544-4255