Specifications include, but are not limited to: In 2019 Governor Mike DeWine created and appointed The Ohio EXPO 2050 Task Force (Task Force) to study the long-term strategic vision of the Ohio Exposition Center (Expo Center) and the Ohio State Fair. The Ohio Department ofDevelopment on behalf of the Task Force conducted a study to evaluate how the Ohio State Fair could be the premierevent of its kind in the nation.The site is overseen by the Ohio Expositions Commissions (OEC), a venue just north of downtown Columbus thatoccupies 360 acres of state-owned land. It is home to the Ohio State Fair as well as approximately 200 other eventsthroughout the year. The Ohio State Fair occurs each year showcasing agriculture and attracting visitors. The Ohio StateFair has been located at its current home, also known as the “fairgrounds” since 1886. The fairgrounds are located 717East 17th Avenue in Columbus, Ohio—approximately two miles from both downtown and The Ohio State University. A2015 study estimated 982,305 visitors attended the State Fair that year. The Ohio History Connection, the Ohio HighwayPatrol Training Academy, and the former MAPFRE Stadium (now known as Historic Crew Stadium) are also located onthe Expo Center grounds. The Expo Center campus includes 20 buildings, parking for 12,000, and more than one millionsquare feet of event space under roof.This project is “Phase 1” of the strategic vision for Fairgrounds. Phase 1 is limited to a defined part of the site, predominantly south of 17th Avenue (see attached site plan). The Expo Center will continue to use the remaining parts of the site. The work will involve the demolition of five existing buildings, the design and construction of two new buildings along with the installation of new infrastructure, landscaping improvements and the development of a new town square that will be center of the Ohio State Fair.
