Earl Warren Showgrounds Rejects Data Center Proposals
The venue faces a budget shortfall as it plans to restart its master planning process following the loss of a major show.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Large Animals
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The Earl Warren Showgrounds board voted to reject all data center development proposals for the property. Meanwhile, the Region 2 Arabian Horse Association is disbanding, meaning its long-standing championship show will not return to the facility next year.
Why it matters
The loss of the championship horse show and the rejection of potential data center development signal significant revenue volatility for the community facility. Leadership expects a six-figure income decline next year as they move to revise the facility master plan following a legal dispute over permitting.
The showgrounds reduced the Equine Evac emergency storage fee to $300 monthly, down from the original $600 rate. The facility's master plan currently reflects the removal of eight of its eleven total barns.
The players
Earl Warren Showgrounds
A historic community facility in Santa Barbara that hosts local events, rodeos, and large-animal boarding.
Region 2 Arabian Horse Association
A regional equestrian organization that is disbanding, effectively ending its long-running championship show at the showgrounds.
The details
The board is now coordinating with city and county officials to refresh the site master plan, which was previously retracted following legal challenges regarding CEQA permitting. While leadership conducts mandatory studies for the new plan, the showgrounds will transition away from the Arabian horse event that has utilized the facility since the 1960s. The board intends to launch a master plan subcommittee and host community meetings to determine the future direction of the grounds.
Timeline
The Arabian Horse Show began using the barns in the 1960s.
The initial master plan was released in July 2025.
Public comments regarding facility rental fees occurred in August 2026.
The board meeting to reject data center proposals took place on October 30, 2026.
The board plans to form a master plan subcommittee at the beginning of 2027.
The Home Front
The retraction of the original site master plan marks a major shift in how the community evaluates future use of the Earl Warren Showgrounds. This development follows a legal dispute over the California Environmental Quality Act permitting process that effectively stalled the facility's long-term development strategy.
Residents who utilize the showgrounds for emergency equipment storage should note the new $300 monthly fee, which is a reduction from the previous $600 rate. If you plan to attend future events or participate in the planning process, monitor the facility's upcoming community meeting notices.
The takeaway
The Earl Warren Showgrounds faces a transition period characterized by a notable loss in event revenue and a required restart of its site master planning. Locals should prepare for a revised development process and participate in scheduled public sessions to influence the future of the venue.
What happens next
The Earl Warren Showgrounds board plans to establish a master plan subcommittee in early 2027 and will schedule upcoming community meetings to gather public feedback on the future of the property.
Further reading
For updates on local facility planning and equestrian event schedules, visit the Santa Barbara Large Animals section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Santa Barbara Independent.
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