At least 18 new agricultural events from across the country have shown interest in taking advantage of what will be a new and improved Alliant Energy Center, according to Dane County officials. The increased demand from new events, some reportedly on the same scale and size as the World Dairy Expo, has increased the cost of constructing the center’s two new pavilions by about $6 million.
The renovations, which are scheduled to begin after the Midwest Horse Fair in April and be completed in mid-September, include new livestock stalls, improved ventilation systems, additional restrooms, and a mezzanine in one of the pavilions. The cost now stands at $23.86 million. The state’s building commission and the Dane County Board must first approve the increase.
The state has budgeted $9 million toward the pavilion project, World Dairy has committed $3 million, and New Holland Agriculture & Construction has agreed to pay between $1.5 million and $2 million for naming rights.
