Corona Ranch Story
Bill and Maria Smith, along with Maria’s family, the Coronas, founded Corona Ranch and Rodeo Grounds on February 1, 1991. While Bill and Maria (then Corona) were dating in the mid 80”s, Bill attended great Mexican Rodeos called Charriadas at her family’s rustic rodeo grounds, Lienzo Charro Herradero.
After long stints in Food and Beverage at the Arizona Biltmore Hotel and the Plaza Hotel in NYC, the Smith’s, now married, returned to Arizona in 1990. The following year, they founded Corona Ranch using Maria’s maiden name.
In their first year of operation, the two booked a grand total of four groups. In their best year, 2007, they booked 107 groups.
It took three to four years in business for the duo to make enough money to begin making meaningful improvements to the property. New lights in the great hall, building a 16,000 sq. foot patio, adding a 3,000 sq. foot kitchen, tiling a second patio, new bars; the list goes on and on.
As the improvements piled up, so did the bookings. NBC Sports, Ford, Visa, IBM, Microsoft, NFL Owners Convention, Superbowl, NBA Allstar Game Host Party, and many more. Groups traveled from Germany, Japan, Switzerland, France, Spain and all over the world.
Many groups enjoy the performance of the Charros and Escaramuza in the thrilling tribute to Charriada while other groups prefer the performance of the Western Rodeo Show or better yet, both! Still other groups use the flowing lawns and patios for their own party vision: Biker Bash, Route 66 party, Team Building, Holiday Party, Weddings, Casino Nights, Denim and Diamonds.
We look forward to the opportunity to help you and your guests experience an incredible event here in Arizona at Corona Ranch and Rodeo Grounds.
Bill and Maria Smith
Diana David, General Manager
Arizona Banquets and Events