Bacon Universal becomes facility sponsor of the Oskie Rice Event Center

Bacon Universal, the exclusive dealer for Kubota and Komatsu equipment in Hawaiʻi, has announced a new partnership with the Oskie Rice Event Center, signing on as a facility sponsor under an initial one-year agreement.

The sponsorship includes recognition at several major events throughout the year, including the Makawao Stampede – Hawaiʻi’s largest rodeo, the K Ranch Championship, Oskie Rice Memorial Rodeo 2025, and the Rejoice in the Country Concert.

The Oskie Rice Event Center is located in Olinda and is one of three Kaonoulu Ranch-owned Upcountry arenas. Designed to host events large and small, the facility features multiple distinctive venues including the main performance arena and cutting pen, main stage and field, clubhouse and lanai, and more.

Founded in 1947, Bacon Universal has been supplying equipment to the construction, agriculture and industrial markets across Hawaiʻi for 78 years. Representing some of the world’s leading equipment brands, including Kubota, Komatsu, JLG, Crown Lift Trucks, BOMAG, Sakai, and many more, the company offers equipment sales, rentals, parts and service. They operate five branches, with locations on Oʻahu, Maui, Kauaʻi and two branches on the Big Island, in Hilo and Kailua-Kona.

Speaking from their inaugural Kubota Orange Days sales event at the Maui branch in Wailuku, Bacon Universal President & CEO, Matthew Elvin said: “We participated in the Makawao Stampede for the first time last year and were thoroughly impressed by the quality and energy of the event. We saw a great opportunity to deepen our involvement and support the local community. This facility sponsorship is a perfect way to do that, and our team is looking forward to getting involved in the upcoming events.”

Maile J. Masada, director of facility operations at Oskie Rice Event Center, attended the Orange Days event to officially sign the agreement. She welcomed Bacon’s expanded role, “Bacon Universal came in strong last year as a Grandstand sponsor, bringing incredible enthusiasm and effort. I’m thrilled to welcome them as a facility sponsor and look forward to working together to continue enhancing our events.”

As part of the sponsorship, Bacon Universal will have an expanded presence at this year’s Makawao Stampede, featuring Kubota equipment displays, games, prizes, and much more. The Makawao Stampede 2025 takes place on July 4th weekend, and the venue has recently announced an expanded parking lot, increasing capacity for the future events.

To learn more about the Oskie Rice Event Center, visit www.oskiericeeventcenter.com, and for more on Bacon Universal, visit www.baconuniversal.com.