Monroe County Fairgrounds

The Monroe County Fairgrounds in Monroe County, Michigan includes a number of buildings.

History

The Monroe County Agricultural Society organized its first fair in 1849, but it wasn’t until 1948 that it was moved to this permanent location.[1] All of the 120 acres of property is owned by the county and leased to the fair association on a 99-year agreement.[2]

In 1952, a one half mile dirt oval on the premises hosted its only Grand National Series (now NASCAR Cup) event. [3] The race was won by racing pioneer Tim Flock, who went on to win that year’s series championship.[4]

Facilities
Stock Arena

Stock Arena

Glenn F. Stock Arena is a 2,000-seat indoor arena located in Monroe, Michigan. It is used for sporting events, concerts, conventions, and trade shows. It is part of the Monroe County Fairgrounds. Stock Arena is also used for graduation ceremonies of Monroe County's high schools.

The arena measures 174 feet (53 m) wide by 252 feet (77 m) long with a 40-foot (12 m)-high ceiling. Although the Monroe County Fair's website hails the arena one of the "largest arenas in Michigan,"[5] this is actually not true as far as seating capacity is concerned; in fact, Stock Arena seats up to 3,500 for concerts. Many indoor arenas in Michigan have larger seating capacities. Also, several of them, including Little Caesars Arena, Breslin Center, and Van Andel Arena have higher ceiling heights. Stock Arena is, however, Monroe County's largest arena and the largest in Toledo's northern suburbs.

Other amenities include a 100-foot (30 m)-by-210-foot pipe fence separating the stands from the arena floor, and a wireless PA system that can be used inside and outside the building.

Other fairground facilities

Other facilities at the Monroe County Fairgrounds include:

  • The First Merchants Bank Expo Center, a convention center with 27,000 square feet (2,500 m2) of exhibit space
  • Two buildings and a livestock show arena with 7,200 square feet (670 m2) each of space
  • The 4,800-square-foot (450 m2) Far West Building
  • The 2,400 4H Craft Building
  • Two horse rings and 270 horse stalls
  • A 9,000-seat grandstand used for auto racing and rodeos.
  • Parking for 4,000 cars.

References
  1. "Monroe County history: Monroe's first county fair was in 1849". The Monroe News. Retrieved 4 January 2023.
  2. "Fair has long history of shows, growth". The Monroe News. Retrieved 4 January 2023.
  3. "Motor City's NASCAR debut was rough and tumble". Retrieved 4 January 2023.
  4. "Monroe Speedway – NASCAR Cup Series Race Recaps". Racing-Reference. USA Today Sports Media Group. Retrieved 4 January 2023.
  5. Fairground Facilities and Map at monroecountyfair.com

41.92816°N 83.46254°W / 41.92816; -83.46254

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