Behind-the-Scenes Crew Keeps Rafter 3C Arena Event-Ready

From rodeos and barrel races to Cowboy Fast Draw and cutting horse competitions, every event at the Rafter 3C Arena and Event Center begins long before the first competitor enters the arena. Behind the scenes, a small maintenance and events crew prepares the footing, equipment, and facility to meet the unique demands of each event.

"They all take great pride in their jobs, and it shows," said Jesse Segura, deputy director of the Rafter 3C Event Complex.

One weekend, the arena floor may need to be firm and hard-packed for the Fastest Gun Alive competition. Days later, it must be transformed into a softer, sandier surface for the Pacific Coast Cutting Horse Association cutting, where proper footing is essential for the safety and performance of horse and rider.

Matthew Montavalo, Rafter 3C maintenance coordinator, has worked at the facility for five years. He joined the staff shortly after the building was completed and helped develop the arena footing used today.

Montavalo's background in mining, with an emphasis on soil composition, helped shape an arena surface that can be adjusted for a variety of events. Working with Segura and arena designer Jim Kiser, he helped develop the arena footing that now accommodates everything from rodeos to horse shows.

"When I first came here, the arena floor as we know it today wasn't here," Montavalo said. "There were no concrete retaining walls, handrails, or bleachers."

Montavalo also remembers the arena's inaugural Professional Bull Riders event on New Year's Eve, when Fallon briefly lost power. The facility's backup generator restored the lights and sound within moments, allowing the event to continue.

Justin Lovett, a Rafter 3C maintenance technician, brings a construction background and experience working with soil. He helps determine how much water and conditioning the arena surface requires before each event.

Preparing for the Pacific Coast Cutting Horse Association cutting required moving approximately 115 tons of existing arena material before adding another 453 tons of sand purchased by the association from Cinderlite of Reno. The competition is scheduled for July 29 through Aug. 1.

Hunter Giovanetti, Rafter 3C event specialist, works alongside Segura to coordinate the facility's busy schedule and steps in wherever needed to help ensure events run smoothly.

During competitions, visitors often see Montavalo and Lovett maintaining the arena between events while Segura and Giovanetti coordinate operations behind the scenes.

Whether the arena is hosting Night of Fights, dog agility competitions, Cowboy Fast Draw, barrel races, rodeos, or cutting horse events, the crew's work ensures the facility is ready before spectators arrive and continues throughout each event.