Ohio Governor Mike DeWine joined members of the Ohio Expositions Commission as well as staff, event holders, partners, and agricultural commodity groups to break ground on the Ohio Showcase Building at the Ohio Expo Center and as a part of the Expo 2050 construction projects.

The first phase is expected to be completed in 2026 with two buildings to revitalize the fairgrounds in Columbus, the Ohio Showcase Building and the new agriculture building.

The projects are part of the long-term master plan recommended by the Expo 2050 Task Force.

Governor DeWine created the task force in 2019 to develop a strategic vision for the future of the 360-acre state fairgrounds, which has been home to the Ohio State Fair since 1886.

“There is so much to enjoy at the Ohio State Fair, and the enhancements to these spectacular fairgrounds will make the experience even better,” said Governor DeWine. 

“These projects will preserve the historic beauty and character of the fairgrounds, while also adding modern improvements that showcase everything great about our state.”

Once constructed, the Ohio Showcase Building will house a food hall and exhibit space to tell the story of Ohio’s people, land, communities, and innovation. The food hall will house six restaurants/vendors that will offer unique regional dishes from throughout Ohio, with ample indoor and outdoor dining space.

The new agriculture building will house the Taste of Ohio Café, with meals served by Ohio’s agricultural commodity groups. The building will also house the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation’s Land & Living Exhibit as well as other agricultural exhibits. The exhibit hall will feature more than 100,000 square feet of space for a variety of events.

Others who participated in today’s groundbreaking included Ohio Expo Center & State Fairgrounds Executive Director Adam Heffron, Ohio Expositions Commission Chair Angela Krile, Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik, and Office of Budget and Management Director Kimberly Murnieks.

“We know that our stakeholders – both those involved in the Ohio State Fair and the events that are happening on the grounds the other 355 days of the year – are vital to our current and future success,” said Ohio Expositions Commission Chair Angela Krile.

“That is why our master plan process included working with more than 90 different stakeholders, including major 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, our tenants and neighboring entities, and safety and security partners. We are grateful for their partnership and patience and are excited to work with them to continue toward the future vision for this facility.”

With funding support from the Ohio General Assembly, other Expo 2050 master plan projects currently underway include:

A large entry gate will welcome visitors from the main north parking lots between the fairgrounds and Historic Crew Stadium. It will create an iconic entry with photo opportunities including the Great Seal of the State of Ohio. The site will also include permanent ticket booths and functional canopy space to cover pre-event security screenings. The historic 11th Avenue OHIO Gate will remain preserved and untouched.

Gathering space at a new town square at the center of the fairgrounds will feature additional food, family-friendly resting areas, and children’s activities. During the rest of the year when the fair is not underway, the comfortable areas and reorganized space can accommodate the unique needs of the various events held at the facility.

Enhanced underground infrastructure will improve internet connectivity throughout the fairgrounds, separate storm and sewer systems, and ensure electrical access and flexibility for food vendors and other events held at the site throughout the year. In addition, the work will be topped with beautiful landscaping and a defined navigational pathway through the grounds.

“Our partners and stakeholders have a deep and rich connection with the fairgrounds,” explained Ohio Expo Center & State Fairgrounds Executive Director Adam Heffron. “Since I started in this role in March, I’ve had the opportunity to connect with many of these partners, and it is clear that this facility holds a special place in their hearts. I’m thankful they’ve been able to have a voice in the development of the Master Plan, and now, the architectural and design work.”

Future projects include renovations to the Dairy Products Building to allow more space to view the iconic butter cow. A historic district will be developed on the south side of the grounds that will incorporate one of the fairground’s early 1900s-era pavilions.

To make way for construction, several other sites on the grounds have already been demolished including the Ohio Building, which previously housed the Taste of Ohio Café.

The Expo 2050 master plan was developed by Wellogy, a third-party consultant with expansive experience in the industry. Additional partners include the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission, Populous, Turner Construction, Hill International, EDGE, Korda, 3C Industries, Bennett Engineering, Inc., BCL, and Roto.

The 2024 Ohio State Fair will run July 24 – August 4.

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