Country’s Sixth Largest Convention Center Breaks Ground On Expansion

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (August 23, 2024) — Surrounded by community stakeholders and state leaders, the sixth-largest convention center in the US unveiled the visual concepts for the Kentucky Exposition Center’s (KEC) Phase I & II renovations. KEC ceremoniously broke ground, officially celebrating the facility's multi-million-dollar renovation plans.

Two phases will add new buildings and redevelop key existing structures, adding square footage to the convention center that hosts two of the top five largest tradeshows, Equip Expo and The Utility Expo, according to the Trade Show News Network (TSNN), host of the Trade Show Executive Gold 100 Awards & Summit.

“By modernizing and expanding our largest event space, we are not only enhancing the visitor experience but also motivating more conventions, trade shows, events and sports tournaments to choose Louisville,” said Cleo Battle, Louisville Tourism President & CEO. "This profound investment will drive economic growth, create jobs, and solidify our city’s reputation as a premier destination for both business and leisure travelers."

Phase I of the renovation will include a new interconnected 350,000 total square feet multi-purpose building with the capabilities to host events ranging from livestock competitions and equine events to trade shows and sporting events. The location of this new space will be directly east of the existing Broadbent Arena and north of the West Wing. Notable components that make up the space include the Kentucky Exposition Center’s largest Class A exhibit hall, as well as adjacent meeting rooms and offices. Phase I is projected to cost $180 million.

In the $213 million Phase II of renovation, the Kentucky Exposition Center will redevelop the West Wing, West Hall, and Pavilion into a singular, connected 249,000 total square feet multi-purpose building that includes Class A exhibit space, large pre-function space, and new meeting rooms. Enhancements to existing food & beverage operations will also happen during Phase II, creating a total of 40,000 square feet of space to service and feed the millions of guests that attend events on the property throughout any given year. Phases I & II are estimated to cost a combined $393 million.

An additional $76 million in facility enhancements will include new and improved infrastructure, wayfinding, backup power, and more. Presently, Kentucky Venues is redesigning and renovating two remaining vehicular entrance gates that are more than 50 years old with relevant amenities, digital wayfinding, and modern payment technology.

Construction on the first of two new multi-purpose buildings is set to begin in 2025. To learn more about Kentucky Venues, its shows, and facilities, visit kyvenues.com