Most manufacturers will work with you on a customized facility if their standard specifications aren't suitable. Our chart on page 21 lists a few of the most prominent manufacturers and the key features of the products they offer.
What About Pricing?
Construction costs vary tremendously from one building to another, depending on the location (influenced by site soil considerations, load requirements, and climate concerns), size, style, and features. Not only that, prices can fluctuate considerably depending on the cost of materials and shipping, and changes in regulations - such as new wind-load requirements that have come into play following several years of hurricane damage in the South.
As a result, many manufacturers, while happy to work with customers on costing out their specific needs, are reluctant to offer any general estimates. Nevertheless, they're quick to point to relative cost savings, such as the advantages of transporting and building with lighter materials and the quick and simple construction techniques compared to traditional types of construction.
Dennis Marion of Innovative Equine Systems put things in perspective by contrasting the cost of building a residence (which varies by region but typically begins around $100 per square foot) to putting up an arena, which he says can be done for around $10 a square foot.
Other manufacturers offered rough estimates that fell between $9 per square foot and $18 per square foot. If you use those figures as a ballpark guideline, you can assume that for a 72' x 100' structure, you might expect to pay from $65,000 to $130,000.
Of course, the price tag climbs if you add features like lighting systems and stabling. It's important to speak with a reputable builder in your area, as well as representatives from various arena manufacturers, to get a realistic picture of what it will cost you to build a facility that works for your particular situation.
