LOUISVILLE, Ky., Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- One year ago, Kentucky Venues broke ground on the largest expansion and renovation project in its history during the 120^th Kentucky State Fair. Today, fairgoers and horse show participants can see that vision taking shape as Phase I of the Kentucky Exposition Center's $460-plus million transformation is well underway.

Phase I, a $180 million investment, will deliver a 350,000-square-foot multi-purpose facility (equivalent to about six football fields), designed to host livestock competitions, equine events, sporting tournaments, trade shows, and conventions. Earlier this year, Newmarket Hall, once home to livestock sales, was demolished to make way for this modern space. The new facility will feature dedicated washrooms, a milking parlor suite, multiple major entrances, food service areas, and flexible meeting rooms to support agriculture and convention clients. Keys to the building will be handed over on December 31, 2026. Kentucky Venues will have major events occupying the space in 2027.

This project is powered by the work of approximately 3,500 to 4,000 tradespeople and a 150-member design team representing Kentucky and states across the country. Their collective expertise ensures the project blends world-class functionality with Kentucky's diverse portfolio of events.

Fairgoers at the 2025 Kentucky State Fair are experiencing the first wave of site enhancements. The newly rebuilt Gate Four entrance off Crittenden Drive reopened this year with a 50 percent increase in traffic lanes, expanded pedestrian areas, digital signage, and the largest on-site queueing capacity of any entrance. This significantly reduces congestion on surrounding roads. Renovation of Gate Two is set to begin before the end of 2025.

Looking ahead, Phase II, a $213 million redevelopment of the West Wing, West Hall, and Pavilion, will add 249,000 square feet of interconnected Class A exhibit space, expansive pre-function lobbies, additional meeting rooms, and 40,000 square feet of upgraded food and beverage operations. Construction is anticipated to take 18 to 24 months and will follow the completion of Phase I.

"These improvements go far beyond bricks and mortar; they are an investment in Kentucky's future. They open doors for farmers, businesses, athletes, and families, while solidifying the Commonwealth's role as a national leader in agriculture, events, and tourism. We are grateful to the Kentucky General Assembly for their commitment to these projects and their recognition of the tremendous return on investment our venues provide for Kentucky's economy," said David S. Beck, President & CEO of Kentucky Venues.

The renovation of the Kentucky Exposition Center is a transformative milestone for the Commonwealth. It will ensure that one of the nation's largest exposition centers continues to attract world-class events and deliver lasting economic benefits for decades to come.

Latest renderings are available on the Kentucky Venues website.

About Kentucky Venues
Kentucky Venues operates two premier facilities in Louisville— the Kentucky Exposition Center (KEC) and the Kentucky International Convention Center (KICC). As both a world-class host and proven event organizer, Kentucky Venues produces flagship events such as the Kentucky State Fair, the National Farm Machinery Show, and the World's Championship Horse Show, while welcoming conventions, trade shows, sporting events, and exhibitions from around the globe. With 1.4 million square feet of indoor space, 356 acres of outdoor grounds, and a LEED-certified downtown convention center, Kentucky Venues offers unmatched flexibility and accessibility. Backed by decades of event production experience and Kentucky's signature hospitality, Kentucky Venues is a trusted partner for meeting planners and show organizers seeking impactful, memorable events.

Contact:
Ian Cox
Ian.cox@kyvenues.com
(502) 489-0471

Lexie Ratterman
Lexie.ratterman@kyvenues.com
(502) 356-9111

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SOURCE Kentucky Venues