Los Angeles County Fairgrounds

Los Angeles County Fairgrounds
Name	Los Angeles County Fairgrounds
Location	Pomona, California
Opened	1922
Owner	Fairplex
Operator	Los Angeles County

Los Angeles County Fairgrounds

The Los Angeles County Fairgrounds is a multi-venue complex in Pomona, California notable for hosting the annual LA County Fair, agricultural exhibitions, motorsports, and conventions. The site has hosted events linked to California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, Los Angeles County, San Gabriel Valley organizations and entertainment industries including Disneyland, Universal Studios Hollywood talent showcases and touring productions by Cirque du Soleil. Major uses have included auto racing associated with IndyCar Series, horse shows tied to Equestrianism, and fairs similar to those at State Fair of Texas and San Diego County Fair.

History

The property originated in the early 20th century when Pomona Chamber of Commerce leaders partnered with Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors and California Department of Food and Agriculture entities to stage agricultural exhibits inspired by fairs at Iowa State Fair and Ohio State Fair. The site formally opened in 1922 amid involvement from figures connected to Citrus growers of California and families active in San Gabriel Valley history. During World War II, the grounds were repurposed for military staging and civilian mobilization efforts coordinated with United States Army and Office of War Information initiatives. Postwar growth saw linkage to regional transportation projects like Interstate 10 (California) and cultural ties to performers represented by Actor's Equity Association, Screen Actors Guild, and promoters such as AEG Presents and Live Nation Entertainment.

Facilities and Grounds

The complex comprises exhibition halls, grandstands, racetracks, and exposition centers comparable to facilities at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Anaheim Convention Center, and Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center. Key named venues have hosted auto events related to NASCAR and IndyCar Series alongside equestrian competitions overseen by United States Equestrian Federation. Conference uses attract groups like Society for Neuroscience and National Association of Broadcasters. Grounds include horticultural displays influenced by California Rare Fruit Growers, agricultural barns used by 4-H and Future Farmers of America chapters, and heritage exhibits curated with assistance from the Pomona Historical Society and California Historical Society.

Events and Attractions

The annual LA County Fair is the flagship attraction, featuring livestock shows affiliated with American Jersey Cattle Club, demolition derbies promoted by Stadium Super Trucks, and concerts by artists under labels like Capitol Records and Interscope Records. The site has presented motorsport events similar to those at Irwindale Speedway and motorcycle meets with organizers such as American Motorcyclist Association. Trade shows have included conventions for ComiCONN-style exhibitors, technology expos backed by Sierra Club-style environmental NGOs, and job fairs drawing agencies like California Employment Development Department. Seasonal attractions have partnered with touring productions like Disney on Ice and holiday markets akin to Rose Parade ancillary events.

Management and Governance

Operational management is conducted by Fairplex, with oversight by appointed stakeholders and coordination with Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors and municipal partners including City of Pomona officials. Strategic planning has engaged consultants from firms similar to AECOM and probity reviews referencing standards used by California State Auditor. Governance interfaces with permitting bodies such as Los Angeles County Department of Public Health and regulatory frameworks applied by California Environmental Protection Agency and California Department of Transportation. Labor relations have involved unions like Teamsters and United Service Workers West while security coordination has included collaboration with Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and Pomona Police Department.

Economic and Community Impact

The fairgrounds generate revenue streams through ticketed events, concessions, and facility rentals drawing comparisons to economic impacts reported for Orange County Fair and San Bernardino County Fair. Local hospitality sectors including Hilton Hotels and independent inns in Pomona, California benefit, as do restaurants associated with Pomona's downtown historic district and vendors registered with the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration. Community programs engage youth via partnerships with 4-H, Future Farmers of America, and workforce pipelines linked to Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation. Studies on regional multiplier effects echo analyses produced by UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs and US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Transportation and Access

Access routes include connections to Interstate 10 (California), State Route 57 (California), and local arterials serving Pomona Freeway corridors. Transit access has been coordinated with Metrolink (Southern California), regional bus operators like Foothill Transit, and shuttle services similar to those provided by LA Metro during large events. Parking and traffic management plans reference practices used around Dodger Stadium and Staples Center (now Crypto.com Arena), with rideshare pick-up/drop-off zones used by services such as Uber and Lyft.

Incidents and Controversies

Over its history, the site has faced disputes over land use with community groups and environmental advocates like Sierra Club chapters and litigation involving neighboring property owners represented by firms akin to Latham & Watkins. Public health incidents have required coordination with Los Angeles County Department of Public Health during outbreaks and emergency responses tied to California Office of Emergency Services. Labor disputes and protests have involved unions such as Teamsters and advocacy by United Food and Commercial Workers International Union. High-profile event cancellations and scheduling controversies have prompted reviews by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors and business continuity assessments similar to those by Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Category:Fairgrounds in California