SHELBYVILLE, Tenn. - The Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration Board of Directors has approved the construction of box seats on the East Side of the outdoor arena. When completed, the project is expected to cost approximately $650,000 and will add 347 six-seat boxes and one eight-seat box.

The action was taken at the regularly scheduled October board meeting and culminated from months of study and the receipt of bids by the Celebration. The contract was awarded to Lee Adcock Construction Company of Shelbyville, Tenn.

The project includes the demolition of existing reserved seat sections on the east side of the arena; sandblasting, priming and painting of existing and new steel work and is scheduled to be completed prior to next year’s Celebration.

The Celebration mailed out letters to 3,462 prospective box seat purchasers three weeks ago using the following priority:

• 93 East Side Reserved Seat Holders
• 545 Box Seat Waiting List Applicants
• 2,183 Current Box Seat Holders
• 641 West Side Reserved Seat Holders

The response was overwhelming with 415 commitments received in just over two weeks. The boxes will be awarded according to the priority listed above and on the basis of receipt of box seat reservations.

Construction has already begun, and the project should be completed by June 1, 2003.