LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Officials broke ground on a nearly $400 million expansion at the Kentucky Exposition Center and revealed renderings of the planned renovations, with construction split between two phases. The money comes from Kentucky's coffers, signaling newfound cooperation between local and state government.
Kentucky Venues said the first phase of construction is projected to cost $180 million and will included a new 350,000-square-foot multi-purpose building located east of Broadbent Arena and north of the West Wing.
"I know some people can see it like it's just here in Louisville and it's only for those folks," fairgoer Katie Kramer said. "I think this fair does a good job of representing all the counties and it's nice to have a home base for that."
The Carlisle County native and current Louisville resident hopes the improvements will give people a better taste of her home state. It's how the fair's board wants to elevate the melting pot of Kentucky and make it a place people want to revisit.
"All the general assembly, the legislature, we finally got here guys; it's a long time coming," Dr. Mark Lynn said, chair of the Kentucky State Fair board.
It will be capable of hosting various events including livestock competitions, equine events, trade shows and sporting events. Officials said the new space will include the venue's largest Class A exhibit hall and adjacent meeting rooms and offices.
The exposition center's West Wing, West Hall and Pavilion will be redeveloped into a single, connected 249,000-square-foot multi-purpose building during the second phase of renovations. Phase Two is expected to cost $213 million.
Similar to the other new building, this multi-purpose building will include a Class A exhibit space, large pre-function space, new meetings room and enhancements to existing food and beverage spaces.
Construction on the first of the two new multi-purpose buildings is expected to begin in 2025.
Guests also got a glimpse at the additional $76 million in facility enhancements on Thursday, including new and improved infrastructure, wayfinding and backup power. Officials are also redesigning two vehicle entrance gates that are more than 50 years old.
Senate President Robert Stivers said this was an obvious decision despite the price tag because of the customers it brings in.
"They're going to restaurants; they're going to the local malls and retail shops, buying clothes, buying gifts," he said. "So it has just a huge economic multiplier that every dollar this brings in probably gets the county two to three times more."
David Beck, president and CEO of Kentucky Venues, thanked the General Assembly for help supporting the venue's growth.
"We now have the opportunity to implement our collective vision of enhancing our facilities so we can continue doing what we do best, and that’s attracting, producing, hosting, and growing global events here in Louisville, Kentucky," he said.
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