BELLEVILLE, Ill. — The recently passed Illinois budget will invest $5 million to modernize the Belle-Clair Fairgrounds.
According to a press release from State Representative Jay Hoffman, the existing track will be demolished and a new, larger racetrack will be built just southeast of the existing track. The upgraded facility will be utilized for future county fairs and other events.
“Not only are we bringing racing back, we’re supporting significant upgrades to the fairgrounds that will enable it to meet the demands of today and tomorrow,” Hoffman, a Democrat who represents Swansea, said in the press release.
The site of the existing track will be used as additional event space for the fairgrounds.
Other improvements include modernizing the facilities and expo center, improving restrooms so they can be used as storm shelters and upgrading the livestock facility ahead of the county fair in fall of 2025.
