LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Work will begin next year on the first two phases of a massive expansion and renovation to the Kentucky Exposition Center, modernizing and enlarging Louisville's largest event space.

The initial construction, scheduled to begin in 2025, will involve Phases I and II of the project, a $393 million investment in a new multi-purpose building as well as the redevelopment of many of the expo center's key existing spaces.

"We serve all 120 counties," David Beck, president and CEO of Kentucky Venues, said Thursday. "This region is very important to Louisville’s success and the rest of the commonwealth’s success.  There’s also an attraction for people around the world. Just last year, we had over 110 countries that we know of that were on our properties for events and that’s growing our economy."

The Kentucky General Assembly approved $180 million in its two-year spending plan in April 2022 for the expo center's four-year renovation plan.  

"Through the generous support of the Kentucky General Assembly, we now have the opportunity to implement our collective vision of enhancing our facilities so we can continue doing what we do best, and that’s attracting, producing, hosting, and growing global events here in Louisville, Kentucky," Beck said in a news release Thursday. "Our facility team is excited to break ground on this ambitious renovation with the support of the public and clients to bring people together and grow Kentucky’s economy to a new level of success in a much bigger way."

In February 2024, the Kentucky State Fair Board presented its plan to state lawmakers, $711 million worth of changes and upgrades to the expo center. The board has been floating ideas that could appear in the proposal for more than two years, like the renovations and new soccer complex, since the beginning of 2022. Some of those proposed ideas didn't make it into Thursday's announcement.

Below are the details of the first two phases:

Phase I: $180 million

  • 350,000-square-foot multi-purpose building to host events just east of Broadbent Arena and north of the West Wing
    • Will include the expo center's largest Class A exhibit hall and adjacent meeting rooms and officers

Phase II: $213 million

  • The West Wing, West Hall and Pavilion will be redeveloped into a single, connected 249,000-square-foot multi-purpose building with Class A exhibit space, large pre-function space and new meeting rooms
  • Enhancements to existing food and beverage operations, creating a total of 40,000 square feet to serve and feed guests

“The Design and Renovation Committee has worked tirelessly to bring to life a facility that surpasses the ambitious goals set in 2022," David Wallace, chairman of the Design and Renovation Committee and vice-chair of the Kentucky State Fair Board, said in a news release Thursday. "By expanding our sellable Class A space by over 70%, we are not only increasing our capacity to host larger and more diverse events but also reinforcing our commitment to supporting Kentucky's thriving agricultural and trade show sectors. The Kentucky Exposition Center is a testament to our dedication to driving economic growth and creating memories for all who attend. Today’s unveiling represents a new era for our state, one that will benefit our communities across the Commonwealth."

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