LOUISVILLE, Ky.—Community officials recently broke ground on a $393 million expansion project for Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, revealing renderings of the planned renovations.
The construction project will take place in two phases. The first phase will add new buildings and redevelop key existing structures by adding square footage to the convention center.
“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,” says Cleo Battle, president and CEO of Louisville Tourism. “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.”
The project’s first phase will involve constructing a new interconnected 350,000 multi-purpose building to host events ranging from livestock competitions to events, trade shows, and sporting events.
The project’s second phase will redevelop the West Wing, West Hall, and Pavilion into a singular-connected 249,000-square-foot multipurpose building with exhibit space, large pre-function space, and meeting rooms.
“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,” says David S. Beck, president and CEO of Kentucky Venues. “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.”
Construction on the first two multipurpose buildings will begin in 2025.
