On December 5, the city of Fargo is set to vote on proposed sales and lodging taxes in order to support $140 million renovation and expansion of the FARGODOME. To learn more about the proposed project, we spoke with FARGODOME Reimagined, an organization supporting the expansion.

What will the expansion look like?

A southside addition of 90,000 square feet which will include 45,000 square feet of conference center flat space, a catering kitchen, a loading dock, and other service areas. According to the Fargo-Moorhead Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, there have been at least 60 conference inquiries that the FARGODOME has currently been unable to accommodate. This renovation would change that.
Double women’s restrooms and 50% increase in men’s restrooms.
Greatly enhanced concession areas.
The project will offer improved accessibility for people with disabilities.
Ultimately, the project will increase tourism in the area, increase revenue for local businesses, and provide additional jobs.

How will it be paid for?

The $140 million project will be paid for in the following ways:
$30 million will come from the FARGODOME’s savings account.
A quarter percent (.25%) sales tax will be enacted for the next 20 years. This means that for every $100 spent you will pay $0.25 more—this excludes certain items like groceries.
A 3% lodging tax will be enacted. This means visitors staying in hotels will pay $3 more for every $100 spent when booking a room at a hotel in Fargo.

When will it be done?

• If the bill passes, the project will take about three years to finish. The reason for the long timeline is because the FARGODOME will never cease operation during that time period. So keep those horns up Green & Gold faithful!

Get your mail in ballot by heading to vip.sos,nd,gov/absentee