Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the status of the Master Plan?
A: The Orange County Fair Board of Directors adopted the Master Plan at the August 2003 Board meeting. The Environmental Impact Report (EIR) was certified in September 2003.

Q: What does that mean?
A: It means that we can move forward with implementing the Master Plan. To get started, the Fair Board and staff have developed a five-year implementation strategy.

Q: What are the details of the five-year implementation strategy?
A: The five-year implementation strategy takes into account current and future needs and priorities of the property and identifies the projects of the Master Plan that will be implemented.

Q: What is the first phase?
A: This phase involves improvements to the east end of the fairgrounds, specifically grading and construction of a new parking area. The existing Equestrian Center (EQC), including stalls, trainer areas and riding arenas will be reformatted, and the area for boarding and training horses remains in the eastern 7 ½ acres of the property. Other changes indirectly related to the Master Plan include the relocation of one of the Fair buildings (#33) to the livestock area where it will serve as the classroom building and headquarters for The Ranch After-School Program.

Q: Do you have any projects involving the City of Costa Mesa?
A: We're working with the City to address drainage and water quality improvements for each step of the Master Plan process. It is anticipated that we will develop an overall plan for storm drain improvements along Arlington Avenue, including steps to clarify the run-off water on the property prior to the water reaching the storm drain.

In addition, the City is installing a new bike path and landscaping along the Newport Boulevard perimeter of the fairgrounds as part of a citywide landscaping program. The Fair is working cooperatively with the City on this project and will take over maintenance of the bike path and landscaping once it is installed.

Q: What are the plans for the Pacific Amphitheatre?
A: Phase 2 of the Master Plan involves the Pacific Amphitheatre, which includes renovation of the amphitheatre and possible removal of the earthen berm surrounding the structure. Before a final decision is made on removing the berm, research and sound testing will be undertaken. We are acutely aware that there are concerns about noise and programming and want to assure everyone that the Fair is sensitive to these concerns and committed to being a good neighbor. Renovation to the amphitheatre stage, seating area and concession stands is planned to begin in fall 2004.

Q: What new buildings are being planned?
A: The first new building contemplated is a replacement for the existing Building #17. In its place is planned a new exhibit building with a commercial kitchen. As this area is developed the Fair will also plan improved landscaping, paving and lighting improvements to this area of the Main Mall. Construction for this new building is tentatively planned for 2005.

Another building improvement is the construction of a covered breezeway linking two existing exhibit buildings (#14 & #16) and architectural design improvements to all of the property's five exhibit buildings (#10, #12, Parade of Products, #14 & #16). In addition, landscaping, paving and lighting improvements will be made to the Main Mall area. The actual timing of these projects has not been determined other than designating it to be a part of the first five-year implementation strategy.

Q: What other improvements are anticipated?
A: One of the first projects planned as part of the Master Plan focuses on landscaping and improvements to the entry ways and gates of the OC Fair & Event Center. This includes the Main Gate located on Fair Drive; the Mesa Gate on Newport Boulevard and Mesa Drive; Vanguard Gate at Fair Drive and Vanguard; and the Merrimac Gate at Fairview and Merrimac. This phase also involves the relocation of the electronic reader board at Main Gate to the Newport Boulevard edge of the property. There will also be new landscaping and the addition of a monument reader board sign on the west side of the property along Fairview.

Q: What is the objective behind Master Plan?
A: It is the philosophy of the Board and staff that as the community evolves and grows, so must the OC Fair & Event Center. The proposed improvements and new facilities reflect the growing needs of Fair programming and the facilities needed to support community program growth. There is also a greater demand from current tenants, show producers, event promoters, and community organizations for larger and more modern facilities that provide quality customer-focused amenities.

Q: When did the Fair begin the Master Plan process?
A: On November 1, 2001, the Board of Directors unanimously approved the development of a Master Plan, a long-term strategic process for creating a new and improved facility at the 150-acre OC Fair & Event Center that would provide more year-round outreach and opportunities for the public at large.

Q: What steps have been taken to get the Master Plan to its current stage?
A: Many steps were taken in order to get the Master Plan to the point where it is ready to be implemented. For the last several years, we have been working with Orange County-based planning firm, LSA Associates to take the steps necessary to begin implementation of the Master Plan, including research, community forums, site plan development, business plan development and the completion and certification of the Environmental Impact Report.

Q: How long do you expect it to take for the full Master Plan to be implemented?
A: The full implementation of the Master Plan will take approximately 8-10 years.

Q: How much will it cost?
A: The estimated cost to implement the Master Plan is $30-$40 million. The cost is expected to be matched, if not exceeded by the revenue the changes would generate.

Q: What future changes will take place in addition to the phases outlined in the five-year implementation strategy?
A: The Master Plan also calls for the removal of two exhibit buildings, which will be replaced with two 20,000 square feet single-story buildings. In addition, an 85,000 square foot building is slated to replace what is currently the Arlington Theater area and the Grandstand Arena will be relocated to the southeast of its current location. And finally, if the earthen berm is removed from the Pacific Amphitheatre, a park will be created and additional space (approximately 30,000 square feet) will be added to Centennial Farm.