MADISON, Wis. — Alliant Energy Center officials previewed preliminary plans Tuesday for a series of upgrades to two of the facility’s pavilions made possible by a multi-million dollar grant from the state.
The Alliant Energy Center was selected in February as one of several attractions around Wisconsin to receive funding for upgrades intended to pull in more tourism revenue. Dane County received a total of $3.2 million in state tourism grants, which were funded by money the state received from the American Rescue Plan Act.
Adam Heffron, executive director of the Alliant Energy Center, said the county’s grant will go toward two of the facility’s pavilions that regularly host agriculture events like the World Dairy Expo and Midwest Horse Fair. Included in the upgrades are plans to update the pavilions’ electrical systems and safety precautions.
“That will really allow groups that are using the building to use it in a better manner, in a safer manner, and as well as attract, hopefully, some new equestrian and livestock events to the Alliant Energy Center and the pavilions on the property here,“ Heffron said.
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Heffron said he hopes the various upgrades will also draw in new promoters looking to use the spaces.
“If you’re an exhibitor and you’re bringing an animal to this facility, it’s going to make it more usable for them and make the space and the grounds a lot more attractive for them to be here, which will then attract promoters to bring more shows to the facility,” Heffron said.
Heffron said the county doesn’t have solid dates for when those upgrades will be made due to the pandemic delaying a redevelopment plan for the Alliant Energy Center as a whole.
Olbrich Botanical Gardens also received $145,650 to improve accessibility within its grounds.
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