Graham Park exhibition center updates

The Graham Park exhibition center project is officially underway, marking an exciting new chapter for Olmsted County. This page is your go-to source for updates on construction progress, key milestones, and impacts to events and traffic while work is taking place. Here, you’ll find photos, timelines, and important information to help residents, event organizers, and visitors stay informed as the community’s long-anticipated exhibition center comes to life.

As the project progresses, this page will continue to evolve, with updates added as more information becomes available. If you would like to submit a question, please email grahampark@olmstedcounty.gov.  

Background

Olmsted County officially broke ground on the future Graham Park exhibition center on July 30, 2025. The 80,000-square-foot facility will serve as a year-round destination for agricultural events, trade shows, cultural gatherings, and more. Key features will include a main show ring, a warm-up arena, and modern accommodations designed to welcome both people and animals. This long-anticipated project has been shaped by years of planning and community input, with $8 million in state funding secured in 2023 to help bring the vision to life.  

See progress as it happens on the live jobsite camera. 

Construction updates

September 8, 2025

Construction crews began work in August 2025 and have quickly cleared the site of the existing buildings. Throughout September 2025, earthwork will progress along with future roadways, parking lots, and stormwater basins. Additionally, the activity pad and the program support plaza will begin to take shape.

The activity pad is a 325’ long by 110’ wide concrete pad, with space for portable bleachers, that can be used for a variety of functions. With dirt in place, the area could host motosport events (motocross, monster trucks, etc.) or equine/livestock events. Left as a concrete pad, the area could host markets, festivals, car shows, or outdoor concerts.

The program support plaza is another multi-purpose area that can be used for truck/trailer or RV parking for 25 semi-trucks, 50 RVs/campers, or 100 passenger vehicles. As overflow parking for passenger vehicles, the plaza parking capacity is doubled. It could also be used for events like car shows or a market.  

The photo below shows a view from near 15th Street SE looking south along Fairgrounds Avenue. Fairgrounds Avenue will have many underground utilities installed throughout the next several weeks.  

The photo below shows rubble from several buildings that were demolished. Small barns and outbuildings on the site needed to be cleared to make space for new work.  

Key dates & milestones 

November 14, 2025: The south parking lot will be turned over for temporary use during the hockey season.

Summer 2026: The new activity pad and program support plaza will be ready for use during the Olmsted County Fair.

Early 2027: The exhibition center building is expected to be completed.

4-H and Olmsted County Fair 

While construction is underway, there will be some impacts to the Olmsted County Fair and other events held at Graham Park. We’re working closely with our partners to minimize disruptions and ensure that all scheduled activities can continue as planned.  

As we get closer to fair time, more detailed information will be shared to help everyone prepare. Some updates may also come directly from 4-H, Extension, or the Fair Board.  

Graham Arena  

Currently, all parking and entrances will be located on the east side of the complex, with access to the facility through the east lobby only. By mid-October 2025, when hockey season begins, some of the barricades will be removed, and additional parking and access will be available on the west side.

Traffic impacts

During construction of the exhibition center, we are encouraging visitors to access Graham Park using Broadway or 3rd Ave. SE. The driveways along 16th St. SE will either be blocked or dedicated to the contractors. The 16th Street SE entrance will be open on a temporary basis during hockey season while the adjacent parking lot is available. Additionally, Arena Drive and the southern part of Fairgrounds Avenue is blocked off to traffic. When visiting Graham Park, please follow posted signage to safely navigate around construction areas.