(SEDALIA, Mo.) – The Missouri State Fair Commission held an official groundbreaking ceremony today for a new indoor arena on the Fairgrounds. The arena will be named the Governor Michael L. Parson Arena, recognizing the Governor’s dedication to the Missouri State Fair during his time as a Missouri elected official.
“The Missouri State Fair Commission has caught me by surprise, but as a lifetime Missouri State Fair fan and proud supporter of the fair, it is truly an honor to have an arena sharing the Parson name that will bring so much joy, new traditions, and cherished fair memories,” Governor Parson said. “For Teresa and me, it’s never been about our names but about serving Missouri families. We are proud that the support our administration has prioritized for the Missouri State Fair will continue serving future generations of fairgoers for years to come.”
Missouri Director of Agriculture Chris Chinn, a member of the State Fair Commission, said naming the Arena after Governor Parson honors his strong commitment to the Fair and Missouri agriculture. “It is only fitting that this new state-of-the-art complex is named for such a strong supporter of the Missouri State Fair,” she said. “Governor Parson attended the Fair as a child with his family and continues to attend with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.”
The indoor, climate-controlled arena will measure 150,000 square feet in size, with 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 located on the southwest corner of the Fairgrounds. Events typically held in the State Fair Arena are cancelled for 2024 as construction begins on the new facility.
“The Parson Arena will be home to events during the 11-day Fair and all through the year,” Missouri State Fair Director Jason Moore said. “The impact on Sedalia and the surrounding area is significant as we welcome events of all types and sizes to the new facility once it is complete.”
“This new arena is a significant investment in the future of the Missouri State Fairgrounds,” Commission Chairman Kevin Roberts said. “We appreciate Governor Parson’s dedication to the Missouri State Fair and the advancement of Missouri’s agriculture industry.”
Construction is expected to be completed in 2026. Patrons are encouraged to stay updated on the construction progress by visiting the Fair’s website and social media channels.
The Missouri State Fair continues through Aug. 18 in Sedalia. See a full schedule of events for the Missouri State Fair at MoStateFair.com.
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Photo of Groundbreaking is available for download from the Fair’s Flickr page.
Caption – A groundbreaking ceremony for the new Governor Michael L. Parson Arena on the Missouri State Fairgrounds was held on August 15. Pictured are: (L-R) Missouri State Fair Commission Chairman Kevin Roberts, Senator Sandy Crawford, Representative Brad Pollitt, Second Lady Claudia Kehoe, Lieutenant Governor Mike Kehoe, Missouri Director of Agriculture Chris Chinn, Governor Mike Parson, First Lady Teresa Parson, Senator Lincoln Hough, Missouri Office of Administration Commissioner Ken Zellers, Senator Rusty Black, Missouri State Fair Director Jason Moore and President of Nabholz Midwest Operation Jeff Gattis.