(INDIANAPOLIS) — The State Fair has broken ground on a new $50 million swine barn.
Some Democratic critics have ridiculed the Fall Creek Pavilion as a literal pork project. Governor Holcomb lobbied legislators to use Indiana’s surplus to pay for it, then canceled that plan when the pandemic hit, then revived it when the budget bounced back even stronger.
Regardless of how it’s paid for, Holcomb says the building will pay for itself four times over. Instead
of the current century-old swine barn, the new building will have the flexibility to host shows,
concerts, conventions, car auctions, graduation ceremonies and other events.
When it’s in use for the fair, the new building will offer exhibitors direct loading and unloading of
their animals. Holcomb says it’ll be an important education resource for the 4-H kids taking part in
the fair..
Demolition of the old swine barn will begin right after this year’s fair closes August 22. The brick
facade of the current pavilion will stay, but the interior will be completely redesigned.
Pork producers will have a temporary exhibit space next year before the new pavilion opens in
2023.
