Phase I Multi-Purpose Building
State of the Art Venue Connected to the 5th Largest Convention Center in the World
Modern Architecture Meets Functional Excellence
Building Beyond Expectations
The Kentucky Exposition Center's new Phase I multi-purpose building is a state-of-the-art venue offering more than 277,000 square feet of flexible, Class "A" exhibit space. As the newest addition to the KEC campus, this facility is designed to impress guests with its modern architecture and to delight event planners with its functional versatility and robust infrastructure.
Key Features At a Glance
Massive Exhibit Hall
277,225 sq. ft. of contiguous, column-free space with 27' ceiling height. Fully climate-controlled with in-house utilities at the floor for easy exhibitor hookups.
Flexible Meeting Rooms
2 adjacent meeting rooms seating up to 120 and 82 in theater layout. Perfect for seminars, breakouts, or VIP lounges with built-in food service counters.
Modern Lobbies
Two dedicated lobby entries (≈4,800 sq. ft. and 2,500 sq. ft.) with expansive glass walls, natural light, and modern finishes.
Drive-Through Access
20+ large overhead doors (16' high, up to 30' wide) with drive-through capability for efficient load-in/out. Seven door sets align for full access.
Office Suite
4 flex offices, registration lounge, secure storage, and work room adjacent to the expo floor for convenient event operations.
North Plaza
47,000 sq. ft. outdoor event courtyard plus 11,000 sq. ft. dining grove with trees and picnic tables for food trucks and outdoor programming.
Detailed Facility Spaces
Exhibition Hall – Versatile Expo Floor
▼The heart of the Phase I building is its expansive exhibit hall, offering over 277,000 sq. ft. of contiguous, column-free space for trade shows, exhibitions, sports tournaments, and large banquets.
Key Features:
- Open & flexible layout with ~27' clear ceilings and no columns
- Configure for up to 1,352 standard 10'x10' booths or seat 5,000 for banquets
- 20+ overhead vehicular doors (12–30 feet wide, 16 feet tall)
- Drive-through access across the hall with aligned door sets
- Built-in electrical, data, water, and compressed air throughout
- LED lighting system with bright, energy-efficient illumination
- Fully indoor and climate-controlled for year-round use
- Modern fire suppression and life safety systems
- Sustainable materials including PVC-free flooring
Grand Lobby & Pre-Function Areas
▼Over 7,300 sq. ft. of lobby space across two primary public entrances (Northeast and Southeast corners), serving as both impressive front doors and practical pre-function zones.
Design Features:
- High-volume atrium with soaring ceilings and expansive glass walls
- Abundant natural daylight and modern finishes
- Infrastructure for LED display screens and digital signage
- Adjacent restrooms, wellness rooms, and meeting spaces
- Perfect for registration, networking, or cocktail receptions
- Direct connection to North Plaza for outdoor flow
- Full connectivity to PA systems and IT network
Flexible Meeting Rooms
▼Two multi-purpose meeting rooms just off the main expo floor, designed for seminars, workshops, VIP activities, and breakout sessions.
North Meeting Room
- ~1,800 sq. ft. of flexible space
- 120 people theater-style
- 48 people classroom
- 13' high ceilings
South Meeting Room
- ~1,540 sq. ft. of flexible space
- 80 people theater-style
- 30 people classroom/U-shape
- 13' high ceilings
Built-In Amenities:
- Counter with cabinetry
- Movable chairs and tables for custom configurations
- Floor outlets and wall power throughout
- High-speed internet connectivity
- Adjacent furniture storage and F&B prep areas
North Plaza – Outdoor Event Courtyard
▼
A 47,000 sq. ft. open-air plaza with an 11,000 sq. ft. landscaped dining grove, extending the venue's capabilities into the outdoors.
Versatile Uses:
- Food truck park and outdoor food courts
- Outdoor marketplace or trade show overflow
- Tented galas, weddings, or VIP receptions
- Live music venue or concert space
- Large equipment displays and demonstrations
- VIP entrance and red carpet events
Infrastructure:
- Electric hook-up stations for food trucks and vendors
- Paved outdoor area with enhanced landscaping
- 24' x 16' overhead door connecting to indoor expo floor
- Lighting for nighttime use and safety
- Multiple entry/exit points to adjacent parking
Office Suite
▼A comprehensive operational center for event organizers, located adjacent to the expo floor with everything needed for seamless event management.
Suite Components:
- Exhibitor Registration & Waiting Area with 2-3 staff workstations
- 4 self-service kiosk stations with built-in counters
- 4 private flex offices for show management team (2 additional offices also available)
- Work room/lab space with sink and lockable cabinets
- Secure storage room for materials and merchandise
- Private restroom reserved for event staff
- Two large wall-mounted monitors for event information
Perfect for: Show director offices, operations teams, livestock check-in paperwork, awards prep, veterinary exams, secure equipment storage, and staff briefings.
Guest Amenities & Comfort
🚻 Modern Restrooms
12 large public restrooms (6 men's, 6 women's) plus 4 family/unisex restrooms strategically distributed throughout.
🚿 Shower Facilities
Indoor shower stalls in East Vestibule restrooms, plus 2 family restroom/showers for maximum convenience.
👶 Family-Friendly
18 infant changing stations throughout, plus one adult changing table for accessibility.
🧘 Wellness Rooms
2 private wellness/mothers' rooms with comfortable seating, sinks, and locking doors for privacy.
⚕️ First Aid Station
On-site medical facility with exam table, private restroom, and medical equipment storage.
♿ Full Accessibility
ADA-compliant throughout with touchless fixtures and modern accessibility features.
Purpose-Built for Agriculture
The Phase I building honors Kentucky Exposition Center's heritage of hosting farm shows, horse shows, and livestock competitions with specialized facilities.
Livestock Wash Stations
▼8 indoor wash stations plus 1 outdoor wash area – conveniently located around the exhibit hall perimeter for easy animal grooming and preparation.
Features:
- Non-slip grooved concrete flooring
- Trench drains for efficient water management
- Hot and cold water hydrants at each station
- Permanent tie-rails at multiple heights for different species
- Radiant heaters for year-round comfort
- Epoxy-painted CMU walls for ease of cleaning and sanitation
- Direct access to outdoor holding pens via overhead doors
State-of-the-Art Milking Parlor
▼A unique demonstration milking facility built to dairy industry standards, allowing exhibitors to milk dairy cows on-site while providing educational viewing opportunities for the public.
Suite Components:
- Exhibitor Milking Room with viewing windows
- Milk Tank Room for hygienic storage
- Sink/Sanitation Room with 3-compartment sink
- Equipment Room for gear storage
- Small office for supervision and record-keeping
- Grooved concrete floors for cow traction
- Epoxy-coated walls for easy wash-down
- Multiple wall hydrants for thorough cleaning
Perfect for dairy cattle shows, agricultural demonstrations, and educational programming that brings authentic farm experiences to the expo hall.
Ready to Plan Your Event?
Discover how the Phase I Multi-Purpose Building can elevate your next event with state-of-the-art facilities and unmatched versatility.