* Press release…

The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA), in partnership with the Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln, has released a new master plan for the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield aimed at maintaining the core functions of the Fairgrounds while increasing its year-round events, attendance, and revenue generation.

“The Illinois State Fairgrounds draw hundreds of thousands of visitors from all around the world,” said Governor 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.”

The partnership to develop a master plan was spurred from a local community visioning initiative called The Next 10 that the Community Foundation launched in 2020 to spark fresh conversations about the Greater Springfield Area’s future. Reimagining the State Fairgrounds emerged as a centerpiece of The Next 10 because of its potential to ignite social and economic activity across the region.

“It is our responsibility to plan today for a strong and prosperous future for the Illinois State Fairgrounds,” said IDOA Director Jerry Costello II. “Partnering with the Community Foundation allowed us to develop thoughtful long-term options to revitalize the Fairgrounds and ensure that generations to come enjoy these 366 acres that showcase Illinois agriculture, the state’s number one industry.”

Proposed improvements to the Fairgrounds include the creation of a “Town Square” south of the Midway to improve aesthetics and navigability of the grounds, development of an onsite hotel property, and expanded staffing to include dedicated sales and marketing functions.

The hotel, if deemed feasible, would be inside Gate 10, which is on Sangamon Ave. near the western edge of the fairgrounds. The plan also suggests a future Racino, “if desired.”

* More from the master plan…

Facility Program & Master Plan Recommendations

Facility & Site Strategies

A. Existing pole barns (opposite Grandstand) and Junior Home Economics Building should be removed.
B. Consider 2 tiers of facilities – those that can attract higher-impact events and the balance that are more affordable and appeal to ag-oriented activities.
C. Although a detailed building analysis was not conducted, renovation of Exposition, Orr, Artisans and Illinois Buildings should be undertaken. Bathroom facilities across the campus need improvement.
D. Conservation World should be cherished and preserved.
E. Route 66 attraction, as proposed, will attract year-round visitation to the Fairgrounds site.
F. Happy Hollow should be enhanced.
G. Proximity and access of parking to facilities needs to be improved. Flooding issues in the infield should also be mitigated to support parking.
H. Campgrounds could be expanded to support events and 365-day utilization.
I. An onsite hotel property with ~200 keys should be contemplated (subject to a detailed market and feasibility analysis).

Operational Improvements

A. Critical to ongoing success is to expand staffing to include dedicated sales and marketing functions.
B. Consider a dedicated funding source.
C. Pursue opportunities for additional partnerships and sponsorships, not only of the Fair but of the Fairgrounds themselves.

Campus Strategies

A. Create a “town square” south of the Midway and develop intentional,
streetscaped “pedestrian malls” – enhance the customer experience and
eliminate “front door”/ “back door” issues.
B. Enhance the entry experience.
C. Improve curb appeal – upgraded and updated fencing and enhanced
landscaping.
D. From a thematic standpoint, all Fairgrounds facilities and uses should be
associated.
E. Create a cohesive and navigable wayfinding system.

Big Ideas for the Future

A. Develop a new +/- 200,000 SF multi-purpose venue that will be a statement building.
B. Industrial property at the northeast of the Fairgrounds, should be acquired and used for empty trailer parking.
C. If desired, a Racino could be contemplated on the Fairgrounds property

Thoughts?