$21M worth of renovations coming to Belle-Clair Fairgrounds and Expo Center

BELLEVILLE, Ill. – The old racetrack at the Belle-Clair Fairgrounds has seen better days. But leaders in St. Clair County want to do something about it.

“It looks a little long in the tooth, but that’s all going to change. A new roof and AC improvements are beginning very soon,” St. Clair County Board Chairman Mark Kern said. “Also, the improvements that are going to create the disaster emergency center, which is basically 20 restrooms with shower facilities that can handle an event if people don’t have homes to go to in a disaster. We can handle if there’s a disaster declaration.”

The Belle-Clair Fairgrounds and Expo Center are finally getting a facelift and the funds to make it happen.

The Public Building Commission has been buying up houses and property near the fairgrounds. Now, the new quarter-mile dirt racetrack will be moved, new parking added, a second entrance and exit to the fairgrounds, as well as upgrades on the property to add that disaster emergency center.

Racing will return in fall 2025, along with the St. Clair County Fair.

“It’s going to be a great day for motor sports and entertainment,” Illinois State Representative Jay Hoffman, D-113th District, said. “Senator Belt and I are here to announce we were able to get $5 million in state budget in order to help this out.”

“We’re excited for St. Clair County and the whole region,” Illinois State Senator Christopher Belt, 57th District, said. “Restoring this fairground and bringing racing back will create jobs and be an economic driver.”

The $5 million state grant will be added to COVID-19 funds of $14 million and other federal funds, totaling $21 million for the improvements.

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