LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A major chapter in the transformation of the Kentucky Exposition Center reached a symbolic milestone Monday as leaders celebrated the placement of the final structural beam atop its newest building.
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Operated by Kentucky Venues, the facility is undergoing the largest expansion and renovation in its 70-year history — a $470 million, multi-phase overhaul designed to elevate Kentucky’s position in the national convention and events market.
During a traditional “Topping Off Celebration,” local and state officials, business leaders and project partners signed the final beam before it was hoisted into place, marking the structural completion of the 350,000-square-foot building on the northwest side of the property.
Phase I of the project represents a $180 million investment and includes construction of what will become the Exposition Center’s largest Class “A” exhibit hall. Roughly the size of six football fields, the new multi-purpose structure is designed to serve both agricultural and convention clients.
“Thanks to the continued investment of the Kentucky General Assembly, we are transforming a side of our property that has remained largely unchanged since the facility first opened in 1956,” said David S. Beck, President and CEO of Kentucky Venues. “The Kentucky Exposition Center is where Kentuckians come together. It's where youth show livestock, families mark annual traditions at the Kentucky State Fair, athletes compete on an international stage, and the world's largest events call home. What we're building here will elevate every one of those experiences. We're deeply grateful to the thousands of tradespeople and partners who are making this expansion and renovation possible.”
When both phases are complete, officials say the Kentucky Exposition Center is expected to rank as the fifth-largest convention center in the United States.
The new building was designed by Schmidt Associates and includes agriculture-ready infrastructure such as dedicated wash racks, a milking parlor suite, and flexible configurations to accommodate livestock competitions and equine events. At the same time, the space can quickly convert to host trade shows, sporting tournaments and large-scale conventions.
Additional features include multiple major entrances, expanded food service areas, meeting rooms and enhanced wayfinding systems to improve visitor flow and experience.
The project has mobilized as many as 4,000 tradespeople and a 150-member design team from Kentucky and across the country. Construction on Phase I is expected to wrap up by the end of 2026, with the first events scheduled for 2027.
Planning and utility work for Phase II — a $213 million investment — is already underway. The second phase will modernize the West Wing, West Hall and Pavilion, adding more Class “A” exhibit space, expanded pre-function areas, additional meeting rooms and upgraded food and beverage operations.
Significant construction on Phase II is anticipated to begin once Phase I is complete.
The expansion is supported by multiple state agencies, including Kentucky’s Finance & Administration Cabinet and the Department of Housing, Buildings & Construction. Calhoun Construction Services is serving as construction manager and general contractor, alongside a team of national and regional design firms.
Kentucky Venues also operates the Kentucky International Convention Center and produces flagship events such as the Kentucky State Fair, the National Farm Machinery Show and the World’s Championship Horse Show.
With 1.4 million square feet of indoor space and 356 acres of outdoor grounds, officials say the ongoing expansion ensures the Kentucky Exposition Center remains competitive in attracting national and international events — while continuing to host the traditions that have defined it for generations.
Originally reported by Kentucky Venues in PR News Wire.
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