NEW YORK CITY—Governor Andrew Cuomo has unveiled a sweeping $50 million redesign plan to transform the New York State Fairgrounds in Onondaga County into a year-round, multi-use facility that can attract more events and visitors from across the nation.
The plan includes a new multi-purpose exposition center with 110,000 square feet of flexible space, an expanded festival stage to bring in larger concerts, a larger Midway to accommodate more attractions and a 400-site RV Park, as well as various parking and pedestrian safety improvements.
“The State Fair is one of Central New York's greatest economic engines, but the grounds have needed major upgrades for years. That's why we're redesigning the Fairgrounds from the bottom up,” saysGovernor Cuomo. "This plan transforms the Fairgrounds into a world-class set of facilities that can generate economic activity and jobs all year long. This is the first step towards a new Fair, a new regional economy, and it's all part of the new Upstate New York.”
In addition to new concert and event space, the Expo Center will house new equestrian facilities. The Fair's current equestrian facilities are badly outdated, having been in operation for generations without substantial renovations. Possible configurations of the new Expo Center space include large exhibitions capable of holding 400 10' x 10' booths; a general assembly with seating for 4,500 people; or a 150' x 300' arena with up to 2000 bleacher seats and 130 horse stalls.
Completion of the Expo Center and equestrian facilities is expected in July of 2017 at a construction cost of $29 million. It is projected to create and support approximately $10 million annually in economic activity. Completion of the new Chevy Court Festival Stage is expected in July of 2016 at a construction cost of $4 million.
Under the Governor's plan, the Midway will be expanded from 12.5 acres to nearly 16 acres and reoriented as the epicenter of the Fairgrounds. Full infrastructure upgrades will also take place. This will increase revenue from $3 million to an estimated $4 million over the next four years. During non-fair times, the new Midway also will allow for more organized parking for events. Completion of the Midway enhancement is expected in July of 2016 at a construction cost of $2.5 million.
The front gate will be reconstructed in a way that is reminiscent of the original, historic Fairgrounds gate while also being ADA compliant and supportive of modern event needs. Additional improvements will allow for the creation of the “NY Experience,” a park-like area that will highlight the past and future of New York State. Completion of these improvements is expected in July of 2016, at a construction cost of nearly $8 million.
Completion of the new RV Park, meanwhile, is expected in July of 2016 at a construction cost of almost $4 million. The new park is expected to generate $1 million in annual revenue.
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Rayna Katz
Rayna Katz is a seasoned business journalist whose extensive experience includes coverage of the lodging sector, travel and the culinary space. She was most recently content director for a business-to-business publisher, overseeing four publications. While at Meeting News, a travel trade publication, she received a Best Reporting award for a story on meeting cancellations in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina.
