| Artist rendering
depicting the proposed “town square” of the Ohio Expo Center & State
Fair, located on the site of the current Bricker Building
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(COLUMBUS, Ohio)— Ohio Governor Mike DeWine
joined members of the Ohio Expositions Commission today to review
the master plan framework that will serve as a launching point to
modernize and enhance the Ohio Expo Center and Ohio State Fair for
the future.
The framework was created as part of the work of the Expo 2050 Task
Force. Governor DeWine created the task force in 2019 to develop a
strategic vision for the 360-acre Ohio Expo Center property, which
is home to the Ohio State Fair and hosts many other events
throughout the year.
"The renderings you're seeing today represent the initial vision
for the future of the Ohio Expo Center and Ohio State Fair, which
will remain here in the heart of Columbus, its home since 1886,”
said Governor DeWine. "The Ohio State Fair is something to be proud
of, and we want to make the guest experience one that is comparable
to - if not better than - other best-in-class attractions."
The strategic vision, which was developed by the Expo 2050 Task
Force’s third-party master planning consultant Wellogy, includes a
new overall organization of the Ohio Expo Center property, including
the renovation, modernization, or demolition of several buildings;
the addition of new exhibition facilities, parking garages, and
other areas to enhance the guest experience; and improved access
between the Ohio Expo Center and the nearby Ohio History Connection.
The recommendations also include the development of a new town
square and entertainment pavilion.
Artist rendering of proposed north entrance gate located at 20th
Avenue for main visitor ingress and egress from the facility parking
lots.
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“The Ohio Expo Center and Ohio State Fair mean so much to our city,
our state, and the agricultural community,” said Ohio Expo Center &
State Fair General Manager Virgil Strickler. “Building on our
facility’s unique history here in Columbus with improvements that
will accommodate all Ohioans will lead us, our event holders, and
everyone who knows and loves the Ohio State Fair, toward a bright
future.”
The improvements will benefit the Ohio State Fair as well as many
events held at the site throughout the year, such as the All
American Quarter Horse Congress, Goodguys Car Show, Ohio Beef Expo,
trade shows, consumer shows, and more.
"This vision, which includes new buildings, significant
improvements to the existing structures, and new ideas about the use
of the overall space and crowd flow, will create major upgrades to
the fairgoer experience, whether they are there to demonstrate their
4-H and FFA projects, celebrate agriculture, indulge in fair food,
or enjoy top-notch entertainment," said Ohio Farm Bureau Executive
Vice President Adam Sharp. "We look forward to learning more about
the plan and seeing more details. We appreciate Governor DeWine’s
dedication to the Expo Center and Ohio State Fair through this
process."
“As the largest single-breed horse show in the world and Ohio’s
largest single convention event, we applaud the bold leadership of
Governor Mike DeWine, the Expo 2050 Task Force and the Ohio Expo
Commission," said Dr. Scott Myers, chief executive officer of the
Quarter Horse Congress. "They have crafted a thoughtful, strategic,
and transformational plan that will create a world-class venue at
the Ohio Expo Center and Ohio State Fairgrounds."
The proposed enhancements are recommended to occur strategically
over a period of several years and do not yet have a specific
timeline or estimated cost. The master plan framework will be used
by the Ohio Expositions Commission as a guide for future development
over the long-term as funding can be secured.
Artist rendering of the proposed multi-purpose agricultural facility
highlighting Taste of Ohio foods and the Land & Living Exhibit.
Wellogy was assisted by partners Populous, CSL International, EDGE
Landscape Architecture, Korda Engineering, Bennett Engineering, and
Concord Addis. Steps that went into the development of the proposal
included:
* Benchmarking – conducted research on markets, facilities, and
fairs across the country, including structure, budget, size, parking
availability, and more.
* Facility Assessment – assessed each building, thoroughly reviewing
the current structures, utilities, and infrastructure, to identify
any necessary renovations, and analyzed each building’s suitability
for current and future events.
* Site Utilization – reviewed existing and prospective event needs,
along with the current frequency that many buildings are in use for
set-up, tear-down, or event days.
* Stakeholder Research – interviewed and surveyed more than 90
stakeholders from approximately 40 different organizations,
including event holders, agency partners, agricultural commodity
groups, youth organizations, Expo 2050 Task Force members,
legislative and community partners, Ohio Expositions Commission
members and staff, vendors, sponsors, staff, The Ohio State
University, Haslam Sports Group and Columbus Crew SC, the Ohio
History Connection, the city of Columbus, and safety and security
partners.
The 2023 Ohio State Fair will run July 26 - Aug. 6. For more
information about the Ohio State Fair, visit
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