Progress City USA (Convention Center)

Progress City USA is an outdoor convention center located in Decatur, Illinois. It is a division of Richland Community College and was built as a semi-permanent home for the Farm Progress Show from 2005 to 2025. The facility covers 300 acres (1.2 km2) and has roads, parking, underground electricity, telephone lines, and drainage. It also has four sets of permanent heated and air-conditioned restrooms.
History
The idea for Progress City USA was first proposed in 1999 by the Illinois Farm Bureau. The Farm Bureau wanted to create a new home for the Farm Progress Show, which had been held in different locations around the state since its inception in 1922. The Illinois General Assembly approved the funding for Progress City USA in 2002. The project was designed by the architectural firm of Perkins+ Will and was built by the construction firm of Walsh Group.
Features

Progress City USA is a state-of-the-art facility that features a variety of amenities, including:

• A 1.5-mile (2.4 km) road system
• Over 10,000 parking spaces
• Underground electricity, telephone lines, and drainage
• Four sets of permanent heated and air-conditioned restrooms
• A 10,000-square-foot (930 m2) exhibit hall
• A 5,000-square-foot (460 m2) meeting room

In addition to the Farm Progress Show, Progress City USA has hosted a variety of other events, including:

• The Illinois State Fair (2006-2010)
• The Decatur Celebration (2006-present)
• The Decatur Balloon Classic (2007-present)
• The Decatur Symphony Orchestra’s Series (2007-present)
• The Decatur Area Chamber of Commerce’s Ag Expo (2010-present)
• The Decatur Area Convention and Visitors (2011-present)

Conclusion

Progress City USA is a world-class facility that showcases the latest in agricultural technology and innovation. The facility is also available for rent for corporate events and private functions. Progress City USA is a valuable asset to the Decatur community and is sure to continue to host a variety of events for many years to come.