KANSAS CITY, Missouri – The Missouri State Fair Commission held a groundbreaking ceremony Thursday for a new indoor arena that will be named Governor Michael L. Parson Arena.
Commissioners say they appreciate Parsons’ dedication to the State Fair during his time as a Missouri elected official.
“Governor Parson attended the fair as a child with his family and continues to attend with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren,” Chris Chinn, the fair’s agriculture director, said in the announcement Thursday.
The covered, climate-controlled arena will be 150,000 square feet and will have the ability to host a wide variety of events throughout the year and during the annual Missouri State Fair.
It replaces the outdoor State Fair Arena on the southwest corner of the fairgrounds. Events normally held at the State Fair Arena will be canceled for 2024 as construction begins on the new facility, with construction scheduled for completion in 2026.
Parson said he was surprised by the Missouri State Fair Commission.
“It is truly an honor to have an arena that bears the Parson name and brings with it so much joy, new traditions and cherished fair memories… We are proud that the support our administration has given to the Missouri State Fair will continue to benefit generations of fairgoers for many years to come,” said Parson.
