Kentucky Kingdom

[Oldiesmann]

I need to get back to KK - I haven't been down there since 2019. The coaster event in July is tempting but that's the day after I'm planning to get back from my Dollywood trip so that's pretty much out of the question. May try to make it back down there later in the year.

[homestar92]

Kentucky Kingdom has a newly-redesigned logo.

 

Big improvement over the rather childish-looking old one 

[westcoaster]

Nice Article future is bright. 

[Return of the Rotag]

On 3/13/2022 at 8:37 PM, Oldiesmann said:

I need to get back to KK - I haven't been down there since 2019. The coaster event in July is tempting but that's the day after I'm planning to get back from my Dollywood trip so that's pretty much out of the question. May try to make it back down there later in the year.

last time i was down there was when it used to be owned by six flags. it was an 80% terrible time. hopefully it has improved.

[Oldiesmann]

I was last down there in 2019. I plan on visiting again in August.

[DiamondbackFan]

The Kentucky State Fair Board is proposing redeveloping part of the Fairgrounds property with a youth sports complex, hotels, and restaurants.  Several other improvements that benefit Kentucky Kingdom can be seen in the draft site plan.  The road that currently cuts through the park would be redirected around the park, new VIP parking lot, redesigned access and drop off area by the park entrance, and a new parking lot and RV area.

https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/wdrb.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/7a/67a0e7ea-dc64-11ec-8a64-0f8c94d3b97c/628e8966b17a9.pdf.pdf

 

https://www.wdrb.com/news/business/millions-from-state-could-revamp-kentucky-expo-center-with-sports-complex-hotels/article_d682bd54-dc60-11ec-b60e-633df27ae2b8.html

Quote

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The Kentucky State Fair Board is debating how to use millions of dollars it has been allocated from the state's budget.

A total of $200 million was allocated form the budget to the Kentucky Exposition Center. In July, $20 million will be available for maintenance, but the board is working on a proposal for a project worth the remaining $180 million.

The initial plans include a massive sports complex on the property, new hotels and restaurants, a facelift for Freedom Hall and reconstruction of the West Wing.

"We have the opportunity here at KEC that we can be the economic driver that the state needs to build the future," Dr. Mark Lynn, the fair board chairman, said as the board discussed the plan Wednesday.

The new design features 16 total fields in a proposed sportsplex on the property. That complex would include one main field, nine smaller fields and six youth fields. The plan would require KEC to acquire Jefferson County Public Schools' C.B. Young Building and the surrounding property.

The state funding would also be instrumental in providing a facelift for Freedom Hall. Cosmetic changes to the exterior of the building — especially the backside facing Interstate 65 — are needed, according to comments Wednesday from several board members. 

Reconstruction of the oldest wing at KEC, the West Wing, would be included in the project, as well.

The funding from the state comes with a requirement of a 50% match gift, which the board believes should come easily.

Lynn said the project could have an economic impact between $30-40 million.

"It's an opportunity to update, upgrade, be more competitive and then add to so we can continue to be and drive forward in being a destination place for the entire state," he said.

The board has until December to submit a Request For Proposal to the state.