Pomona Fairgrounds

Pomona Fairgrounds. A major multi-purpose event complex located in Pomona, California, the site is best known as the home of the annual Los Angeles County Fair, one of the largest county fairs in the United States. Operated by the non-profit Los Angeles County Fair Association, the expansive grounds host a diverse array of year-round events, including major motorsport competitions, consumer expos, and cultural festivals. Its facilities range from historic exhibition buildings to a dedicated drag racing facility, making it a significant economic and cultural hub within the Inland Empire.

History

The origins of the fairgrounds trace back to the early 20th century when the Los Angeles County Fair was first held in Pomona, California in 1922. The fair's success led to the construction of permanent structures, with significant development occurring through Works Progress Administration projects during the Great Depression, which built several iconic Art Deco buildings. Following World War II, the site expanded its role beyond agriculture, notably opening the Pomona Raceway in 1951, which quickly became a cornerstone for National Hot Rod Association events. Throughout the latter half of the century, the property underwent continual modernization to accommodate larger crowds and more diverse events, solidifying its status as a premier regional venue.

Facilities and venues

The sprawling complex encompasses numerous dedicated facilities, including the expansive Fairplex exhibition halls and the historic Pomona Raceway, famously known as the Auto Club Raceway at Pomona. This facility includes a world-class drag strip that hosts the NHRA's season-opening Winternationals and season-finale NHRA Finals. Other key structures include the Pomona Fox Theater, a restored 1931 movie palace, and the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel. The grounds also feature the Millard Sheets Center for the Arts, dedicated equestrian areas like the Equestrian Center, and vast outdoor spaces such as the Grandstand and numerous parking lots capable of handling major event traffic.

Events

The signature event is the annual Los Angeles County Fair, a massive exposition featuring agricultural displays, carnival rides, and live concerts. The Auto Club Raceway at Pomona is hallowed ground for motorsport, primarily hosting National Hot Rod Association championships including the NHRA Winternationals and the NHRA Finals. Beyond these, the calendar includes the Pomona Swap Meet & Classic Car Show, one of the largest monthly vintage car markets, along with major consumer shows like the Los Angeles International Auto Show (off-site years), the Scarefest Halloween attraction, and various trade expos, food festivals, and concerts featuring artists from Country music to Rock and roll.

Management and operations

The fairgrounds are owned by the state of California and are managed under a lease agreement by the non-profit Los Angeles County Fair Association. This organization oversees all daily operations, event booking, and long-term capital improvements. Key partners include the National Hot Rod Association for racing events and Live Nation for concert promotions. Financial operations are supported through event revenues, sponsorships from corporations like Auto Club of Southern California, and vendor contracts. The association also works closely with the City of Pomona and regional agencies such as the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation on planning and public safety initiatives.

In popular culture

The fairgrounds' iconic drag strip has been featured in numerous films and television shows centered on American automotive culture, including the *Fast & Furious* franchise and documentaries like *American Dragster*. It serves as a frequent backdrop in MTV reality programming and has been name-checked in songs by Southern California punk and rock acts. The distinctive architecture of its historic buildings, particularly the Pomona Fox Theater, has appeared in period films and television series, while the sprawling grounds themselves have been used for location shooting for various Hollywood productions.

Category:Fairgrounds in California Category:Music venues in Los Angeles County, California Category:Motorsport venues in California Category:Visitor attractions in Pomona, California