New renovations announced for the Kentucky Expo Center

A ~$400 million, two-phase plan will add a new building and combine existing ones.

kentucky expo center rendering

The Exposition Center will increase its Class A space by over 70%.

Photo by Kentucky Venues.

The Kentucky Exposition Center is getting an upgrade — what else do you expect from the home of the Kentucky State Fair?

Kentucky Venues officials broke ground on Thursday on a multi-phase project to renovate the site of the Kentucky State Fair, among other events, with construction starting in 2025.

Phase I of the project will construct a new 350,000-sqft “multi-purpose building,” which will be capable of hosting livestock competitions, equine events, trade shows, and sporting events. The new building will be directly east of Broadbent Arena.

Phase II of the renovation will redevelop the West Wing, West Hall, and Pavilion into a single, 249,000-sqft building. This phase also bumps the food + beverage operations to 40,000 sqft — that makes room for a whole lot of corndogs.

Additionally, Kentucky Venues will redesign + renovate two entrance gates that are each 50+ years old.

Bonus: See more renderings on our Instagram.

More from LOUtoday
This page-turning occasion makes shopping at indie stores even better with special deals, releases, freebies, and chances to win prizes.
Drop (the needle) by your favorite record store this weekend for deals, exclusives, and artist meet-and-greets.
Athletes from around the nation will flip, spin, and cartwheel their way into Derby City ahead of the next summer Olympics.
Each year, artists from around the state, region, and even country come to Louisville for these art fairs.
Take to the stadium for these special theme nights from Louisville’s baseball, soccer, and now football teams.
Take nature hikes, learn how to identify tree species, and take home a free sapling to plant in your yard on Saturday, April 19.
Louisville’s Code of Ordinances allows managed natural landscapes — under certain conditions.
All about the bennys.