Governor Cuomo and state economic development officials say a 130,000 square foot exhibition hall will be built over the coming year at the Greater New York State Fairgrounds. The governor says it’s Phase Two of the multi-million dollar upgrade to the fairgrounds intended to bring in bigger and better shows and tourist revenue.
Empire State Development Chairman Howard Zemsky says it will be the largest exposition center between Boston and Cleveland, and the biggest north of New York City. He says it won’t compete with existing exposition halls, but go for larger scale, equipment heavy shows and attractions existing venues and convention centers can’t handle.
Construction will cost about $50 million including new parking and roads. It should be ready in time for next summer’s state fair, and officials predict it will help the fair b
reak the new attendance record set last year.
The announcement was made just before the governor and other officials cut the ribbon, starting the fair’s 13-day run.