What’s going on at the Kentucky Exposition Center? What we know on the massive expansion

Portrait of Marina JohnsonMarina Johnson

Louisville Courier Journal
  • The Kentucky Exposition Center is undergoing a $180 million Phase I renovation to create a new 350,000-square-foot exhibit hall.
  • The project’s first phase involves replacing Newmarket Hall and surrounding structures and is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.

Project: Kentucky Exposition Center Phase I Expansion & Renovation Project.

Location: 937 Phillips Lane

Description: The Kentucky Exposition Center is undergoing a series of renovations to transform the establishment one of the top five largest convention centers in the country.

Kentucky Venues spokesperson Lexie Ratterman said the first phase of the project is underway and is expected to be complete by the end of 2026. During phase one, a multi-purpose building will be created in the location of Newmarket Hall and surrounding structures.

“The Kentucky Exposition Center is a globally recognized events facility, home to a tremendous amount of history and now undergoing some long overdue enhancements,” President and CEO of Kentucky Venues David S. Beck said. “With the support of and direct appropriation by the Kentucky General Assembly, our expansion and renovation will mark the most significant change to our footprint since 1956, transforming it into a venue capable of hosting major events at a scale never seen before.”

As seen in this rendering, the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville will have two new buildings when the second phase of a planned $393 million renovation is completed.

The project, with funding appropriated by the Kentucky General Assembly, is being completed in phases, with the first costing about $180 million and the second costing around $213 million. Phase I will create the facility’s largest Class A exhibit hall, at about 350,000 square feet, and will sit east of Broadbent Arena and north of the West Wing. Phase II will redevelop the West Wing, West Hall, and Pavilion into a 249,000-square-foot multi-purpose wing with enhanced food and beverage operations in the South Wing.

Cost: About $180 million.

Size: About 350,000 square feet.

Developer: Calhoun Construction Services.

What’s being replaced?: Newmarket Hall and a portion of the existing pavilion.