LOUISVILLE, Kentucky — One year ago, Kentucky Venues broke ground on the largest expansion and renovation project in its history during the 120th Kentucky State Fair. Now, Phase I of the Kentucky Exposition Center’s $460-plus million transformation is well underway.
The first phase of the project is a $180 million investment that will deliver a 350,000-square-foot multipurpose facility, 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 Dec. 31, 2026, and Kentucky Venues will have major events occupying the space in 2027.
Fairgoers to the 2025 Kentucky State Fair in August experienced the first wave of site enhancements. The newly rebuilt Gate Four entrance off Crittenden Drive reopened this year with a 50% 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 2 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 expected to take 18–24 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,” said David S. Beck, president and CEO of Kentucky Venues. “They open doors for farmers, businesses, athletes and families, while solidifying the Commonwealth’s role as a national leader in agriculture, events and tourism.”
For more information, visit kyexpo.org.
