State Fair Park is visited by our local citizens year-round. In fact, it is perhaps the most-used public facility in the state. Whether it be for craft fairs, gun shows, equine events, boat shows, antique shows or the Oklahoma State Fair itself, millions pass through the gates of State Fair Park annually. In addition, it is the "Horse Show Capital of the World" and an economic engine for Oklahoma City, as well as an iconic, important element to the future of our community.

New and refurbished facilities at State Fair Park will replace aging, dilapidated buildings for a new generation. These facilities will enable the park's offerings to grow by nearly 60 events per year, bringing in an increase of more than 300,000 attendees and 80,000 room nights by out-of-town visitors. The plan would increase direct annual consumer spending at State Fair Park by more than $40 million, increasing tax revenues for our city by more than 40% over current levels.

We need a larger exhibition hall at State Fair Park. Because of the size of the buildings, many larger shows currently bypass Oklahoma City for cities such as Tulsa which have more floor space under one roof.

State Fair Park is an important part of our city's health, entertainment scene, and cultural landscape. Improvements at the Park will benefit our citizens most of all through better public facilities, improved appearance, and most of all its positive economic impact.

PROJECT DETAILS

Cost: $60 million

Description: This project will upgrade publicly-used facilities at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds, especially those used by the public during the annual State Fair of Oklahoma. It will consolidate various structures that are in excess of 50 years old.

Background:

Project info from www.okc.gov/maps3/summary.html.

Statistics and information taken from “Evaluation of Development Potentials and Economic Impact of Enhanced Exhibition Facilities”, by Economic Research Associates, AECOM