Improvements to State Fairgrounds Continue

BY HANNAH SPANGLER FarmWeek

The Illinois Department of Agriculture, in collaboration with the Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln, released a new master plan for the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield.

The multi-phase plan outlines a long-term vision for the fairgrounds, aiming to increase year-round events, attendance and revenue during the next decade.

“The Illinois State Fairgrounds draw hundreds of thousands of visitors from all around the world,” said Gov. JB Pritzker. “When combined with the $58.1 million we invested in repairs and improvements, this master plan not only creates a future-focused blueprint for continued growth and success, but it also ensures that the Illinois State Fairgrounds are among the best in the nation.”

Adding 139 new events and attracting 1.4 million attendees by the fifth year are key benchmarks for the plan. The year-five target is to increase operating revenue to $18.1 million and bring in $6.9 million in tax revenues.

Stakeholders expressed concerns about the condition of buildings, curb appeal and overall lack of investment. However, the master plan showed that as the right improvements are made, stakeholders remain optimistic about what the fairgrounds can be in the future.

“Outdated building designs and an inefficient site layout affect the potential for competing with other multi-purpose event venues or attracting large events,” the plan states. “Put simply, the Illinois State Fairgrounds is not competitive with its peers. A consistent long-term vision, as set forth in this master plan, will be key to future success.”

Overall, the plan prioritizes expanding staffing beyond the current 10 full-time employees, focusing on sales and marketing roles. Other goals were separated into three phases to balance more extensive projects with less expensive and agriculture-related projects.

Phase 1 new construction and renovations

• Grow the Route 66 attraction to attract year-round visitors
• Add livestock tie-out areas
• Increase the proximity and access of parking to facilities
• Continue improvements to the exposition building
• Demolish the condemned Jr. Home Economics building

Phase 2 new construction and renovations

• Add a “Town Square” near Midway to boost aesthetics and navigability
• Increase street and plaza improvements
• Continue renovations to the Orr and Artisans buildings

Phase 3 new construction and renovations

• Develop an on-site hotel for over 200 guests
• Increase pedestrian connectivity through road and trail work
• Renovate the Illinois Building

No specific timeline was given for each phase.

The plan also includes a goal to add a 200,000-square-foot multi-purpose venue as a statement building on the fairgrounds. However, the venue is not currently included in the three phases.

Funding strategy

The plan underscores a need to establish a long-term funding source and recommends developing multiple areas to secure funding for continual improvements.

• Financing mechanisms like the State’s General Reserve and Capital Development Funds
• Strengthen the Fair Foundation through growing sponsorships, partnerships and relationships
• Taxing mechanisms such as land lease income and sales tax

The master plan emerged from a partnership with IDOA and the Community Foundation’s local initiative, “The Next 10.”

Launched in 2020, the initiative set in motion conversations surrounding the future of the Springfield area the important role of the fairgrounds all year.