The grandstand was only 38 years old, but when it was built it was designed as seating for horse racing. Horse racing has declined in popularity, and the last horse races held there were over 20 years ago. It got used for car racing for a while, but that didn't draw big enough crowds either because the track wasn't well suited to it. In recent years it has mostly been used as a concert venue, with many of the big-name groups performing there. My friend, Mark, saw Metallica there. But every time they held a concert there they had to bring in all the sound equipment and build a temporary stage. Also, the acoustics of the grandstand were terrible. Approaching 40 years old, the building was also in need of a major overhaul and upgrade. The state and local governments decided that it was smarter to build a new concert venue nearby (the Lakeview Amphitheater) and get rid of the old grandstand.
The New York State Fair lasts for about 10 days every summer, but that is an inefficient use of a large and diverse facility. They are trying to get more use out of it year-round and bring more tourists into the area. In recent years the fairgrounds have been used for other events besides the fair: car shows, antique shows, model train shows, home remodeling shows etc. Apparently there is a need for a nearby Recreational Vehicle Park as a place for show participants to stay while in Syracuse. It may not be a grand plan, but it will mean minimal investment in buildings and infrastructure and can be easily redeveloped later.
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timeasmymeasure
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Date: 2016-01-10 03:29 pm (UTC)The New York State Fair lasts for about 10 days every summer, but that is an inefficient use of a large and diverse facility. They are trying to get more use out of it year-round and bring more tourists into the area. In recent years the fairgrounds have been used for other events besides the fair: car shows, antique shows, model train shows, home remodeling shows etc. Apparently there is a need for a nearby Recreational Vehicle Park as a place for show participants to stay while in Syracuse. It may not be a grand plan, but it will mean minimal investment in buildings and infrastructure and can be easily redeveloped later.