Demolition begins on Newmarket Hall to prepare for a new multi-purpose building.
submitted by Kentucky Venues
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The Kentucky Exposition Center takes the next step in its multi-million-dollar expansion and renovation project, which will position it as the fifth-largest convention center in the nation. Starting Tuesday, crews will begin demolishing parts of the existing facility, including Newmarket Hall. The cleared space will pave the way for Phase I of the project, which is a new 350,000-square-foot multi-purpose building designed to expand and redefine event capabilities at the facility.
“The Kentucky Exposition Center is a globally recognized events facility, home to a tremendous amount of history and now undergoing some long overdue enhancements,” said David S. Beck, President & CEO of Kentucky Venues. “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.”
About Newmarket Hall
Constructed in 1968, twelve years after the Kentucky Exposition Center first opened, Newmarket Hall served generations of people as a hub for livestock auctions, horse sales, educational lectures, and countless gatherings tied to signature events like the Kentucky State Fair and the North American International Livestock Exposition.
About the Kentucky Exposition Center Expansion and Renovation
Kentucky Venues is evolving as a premier host, community partner, and global events destination. While optimizing current spaces, Kentucky Venues also recognizes the need to expand and innovate to meet the demands of an ever-changing events industry through a multi-phased expansion and renovation.
Phase I of the project will feature a $180 million investment in a 350,000-square-foot, multi-purpose building that will become the facility’s largest Class A exhibit hall. This expansive, interconnected space will sit just east of Broadbent Arena and north of the West Wing. In April 2025, Newmarket Hall and a portion of the existing Pavilion will be demolished to make way for the construction of the new building.
Within the $213 million Phase II, the Kentucky Exposition Center will redevelop the West Wing, West Hall, and Pavilion into a 249,000-square-foot multi-purpose wing. This phase will also enhance food and beverage operations in the South Wing, creating a more seamless guest experience.
These transformative projects, made possible by appropriations from the Kentucky General Assembly, enable Kentucky Venues to offer existing and new clients what they need. By expanding and modernizing, Kentucky Venues strengthens its competitive edge, opening doors to new clients in various industries, such as agriculture, conventions, sports, and more.
