Louisville Show Opens with New Management Announcement
“Every year, hundreds of exhibitors are wait-listed for America’s largest indoor farm show,” said Kentucky State Fair Board's newly hired President and CEO Jason Rittenberry. “This partnership will bring new opportunities for current and future exhibitors, and expand the experience for our attendees.”
“This is a first step in a partnership that will benefit all the stakeholders in the National Farm Machinery Show and the Ag industry,” said Dennis Slater, president of AEM.
Last October the Courier-Journal reported on the Kentucky State Fair Board having big dreams, with about $200 million in improvement projects for the fairgrounds.
Here is a portion of the wish list report by Courier-Journal.
- Large, multi-purpose "Agri-plex,"
- $18 million makeover of Freedom Hall
- Substantial new meeting and storage space
- New ballroom and a new $70 million exhibit hall to replace the aging West Wing.
As part of the proposed plan, Old Cardinal Stadium needs to come down. The original Cardinal Stadium was condemned as dangerous and put off limits several years ago. The demolition of the stadium in the center of the fairgrounds would cost about $3.2 million. Its razing would provide new room for some parking, up to 1,000 animal stalls, and the Agri-plex.
The projects are almost entirely dependent on the largesse of the General Assembly and the state administration, and Gov. Matt Bevin has kept tight reins on capital spending, while addressing the state pension crisis.
There remains a large need for the long-sought headquarters, 600-room hotel that would go on Phillips Lane near Gate 1 and be connected via a pedway to the South Wing. The state has sought interest from hotel companies three times – but has had no success in striking a deal.
The West Wing is badly deteriorated and could stand at least about $6 million in upgrades, including new lighting and cosmetic work. Down the road, the space should be rebuilt, at a cost of perhaps $70 million, Godsey said.
Freedom Hall, original with the fairgrounds and seating about 18,000, needs a complete fix, the designers said. It was last revamped in the mid-1980s, when the floor was lowered and seating added. Needs include new seats, new ceiling, and upgraded restrooms, dressing rooms, concourses, lighting and mechanical systems.
Another big expense was for increased meeting quarters, including a ballroom. The improvements would cost about $45 million. The ballroom could be built atop the East Hall, or added at the front entryway to the South Wing, perhaps extending into an existing parking area.
Other suggestions included more green space, about $1.6 million in improvements to Broadbent Arena, $6 million for a new sign system, and $5 million for various enhancements in and around the gate entrances.