OC Fair & Event Center Looks to the Future By Looking at Strategic Partnerships & Capital Improvements

Costa Mesa, Calif. (March 24, 2011) – At the March 24 Board of Directors meeting of the 32nd District Agricultural Association (dba OC Fair & Event Center-OCFEC), the Board announced several forward-looking endeavors to enhance partnerships and profitability for OCFEC and its host city, Costa Mesa.

On the heels of a celebrated debut in 2010, OCFEC has entered into long-term contract discussions with Barrett-Jackson for a multi-year agreement to stage their future Southern California events at the 150-acre venue. The much anticipated 2011 dates are slated for June 24-26, and the future will prove even brighter for the Barrett-Jackson event at OCFEC.

“We are thrilled to be staging the 2011 event at OCFEC, but even more, the exciting commitment of OCFEC and Barrett-Jackson to make this the home of our OC event through the long-term partnership, which may include constructing permanent facilities,” said Barrett-Jackson CEO Craig Jackson.

OCFEC and Barrett-Jackson have begun discussing a strategic plan to build an 85,000-square-foot exhibit hall on-site to house the popular collector car auction, in addition to other year-round events. “Southern California is home for so many passionate car collectors and hobbyists, which makes Orange County an ideal location for our event,” added Steve Davis, President of Barrett-Jackson.

This new venue would be part of Phase II of OCFEC’s Master Plan, which began in 2003. Phase I is near completion and has resulted in The Hangar entertainment venue, a new Administration Building and other grounds improvements.

In other forward-looking news, OCFEC, the Costa Mesa Convention & Visitors Bureau, and the City of Costa Mesa have committed to redouble their joint efforts to bring greater economic development to the area.

“The Costa Mesa Conference & Visitor Bureau is very excited to enhance our partnership with the OC Fair & Event Center. We’re lucky to have a venue that has the kind of diverse concerts, programs and events as OCFEC does in this city. With the constant stream of activities at OCFEC all year long, we know we can work closely with them to increase visitors to Costa Mesa,” said Paulette Lombardi-Fries, President of the Costa Mesa Conference & Visitor Bureau.

In early March, OCFEC sent out a Request For Information package to begin the process of seeking a private-sector partner to advance the development of the 8,500-seat Pacific Amphitheatre concert venue. A public-private partnership will be key to the future success of the Amphitheatre, resulting in a model that assures the highest and most certain return to OCFEC. At the March 24 Board meeting, OCFEC President & CEO Steven Beazley introduced a timeline to the Board of Directors for a newly envisioned Amphitheatre to debut as early as July 12, 2013, to correspond with the opening day of that year’s summer fair.

The 2011 OC Fair, themed LET’S EAT!, is July 15 – August 14 and will bring 23 days of food, rides, exhibits, animals, music, action sports and fun, as well as the popular Super Pass (season pass), Pacific Amphitheatre Summer Concert Series, The Hangar and Action Sports Arena. The Fair is open Wednesday-Sunday. The OC Fair was ranked the eighth highest attended fair in the U.S. last year by Venues Today magazine.

The OC Fair & Event Center is located off the 405 and 55 freeways at 88 Fair Drive in Costa Mesa. For more information, please visit ocfair.com, friend us at Facebook.com/OCFair or follow us at Twitter.com/ocfair.