Eastern States Exposition banking on capital improvements

Date: 1/11/2011

Jan. 12, 2011

By Katelyn Gendron

Assistant Editor

WEST SPRINGFIELD — Officials at Eastern States Exposition (ESE) are banking on capital improvements to entice additional vendors and shows to the grounds.

ESE President Wayne McCary told reporters at a press conference on Jan. 6 that a $2.2 million covered warm-up area for equine shows and $1.1 million in other capital projects would enhance the appeal of the venue, and, in turn, bring additional revenues to the area.

"The Big E is the reason why we're here ... what we're beginning to note is that the other 11 months of the year are vital to maintaining the economic viability of Greater Springfield," McCary said.

Construction of the new warm-up area, he added, is necessary to meet the needs of equine show vendors at ESE's 12 year-round horse shows.

"This project is significant to retain Eastern States Exposition as the premier horse show destination in the Northeast," ESE Board Chairman Donald Chase said, noting other capital projects on the grounds include a new roof and renovations to the Coliseum, and a new roof for F-Barn.

Construction of the new warm-up arena is slated for this spring and will not impede on any of the shows scheduled for this year, according to Noreen Tassinari, director of marketing at ESE.

While some show organizers welcome the new warm-up arena, others are skeptical of the construction's impact on riders and horses. Ron Maiuri, organizer of the Hudson Valley Arabian Horse Show, said he's been told by officials at ESE that construction will cease during the weekend of the show, May 13 to 15; however, he's not totally convinced.

"We're hoping not because horses don't respond well to loud noises," he added.

Tassinari said breaks in construction for various shows would not impact the building schedule, which will be completed in time for this year's Big E on Sept. 16.

"It's really important for us to work with them [show vendors], to work around the shows and not hinder the shows in any way," she added.

Construction of the new area, which will be attached to C-Barn and the Coliseum, will commence in March after a contractor is selected.