SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Capital infrastructure improvements to the Illinois State Fairgrounds were exemplified by ongoing upgrades to the Coliseum, site of the 2023 Draft Horse Show, Governor’s Auction of Champions and more. Recent improvements to the Coliseum include improved ADA accessibility, new seating, HVAC and sprinkler systems. Workers are just now laying the groundwork for a fully-functioning, year-round concessionaire and upgraded restrooms. 

The recent improvements, which were showcased for 2023 ISF visitors, followed an initial phase of construction that included installation of an insulated roof. Overall, $58.1 million has been invested in capital improvements to the Springfield fairgrounds through Gov. JB Pritzker’s Rebuild Illinois program and $6.7 million through the Illinois Dept. of Agriculture (IDOA).  

“There were many years that went on, under previous administrations, to where either not much or no work was done to a lot of the facilities here on the fairgrounds,” IDOA Director Jerry Costello told news sources. “That has all changed.” 

Costello went on to report that the latest phase of fairground improvements has cost around $30 million to date. The changes, he said, are “really moving the fairgrounds into (the) next generation.”

In addition to the ongoing Coliseum upgrades, $8.6 million went to install a new canopy and fix some of the structural problems with the Multi-Purpose Arena, which hosted tractor and truck pulls sponsored by the Illinois Soybean Association during the fair. It had been shuttered for improvements since 2022

The effort to improve the 261,000 square-foot Multi-Purpose Arena included repairs and upgrades to sidewalks, walls, steps, expansion joints and electrical systems. A readjustment of the tension structure, installation of a new canopy and strengthening of retaining walls were also completed. The Multi-Purpose Arena sits on six acres of the Illinois State Fairgrounds.

Energy efficiency is also being addressed on the fairgrounds. New LEDs and the installation of EV charging stations are among the highlights. Drainage around pedestrian walkway and driving tunnels, asphalt and concrete road repairs and extensions, and roof replacements to the Emerson Building, Expo Building, dairy building and selected barns are also among the ongoing repairs that are completed or in progress. 

The renovation projects are expected to re-define the purpose of the Springfield fairgrounds as a multi-use facility that will benefit residents year-round, according to ISF Director Rebecca Clark. “We’re excited to be partnering with the Community Foundation of the Land of Lincoln for a master plan for making sure we have an eye on the future not just during the 11 days of the fair, but the whole year. The work being done to improve our fairgrounds is enabling us to use the grounds for more events year-round, which helps bring in tourism for Springfield and our surrounding area,” Clark told Farm World in 2022.