The Congress Revamp

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178 – September/October, 2026

By Sarah Welk Baynum

Photos courtesy of OQHA

Exhibitors arriving at this year’s All-American Quarter Horse Congress will find a dramatically transformed Ohio Expo Center, including new buildings, upgraded infrastructure and—for the first time in the show’s 59-year history—a third major competition arena operating alongside the Celeste Center and VS Code Red Coliseum.

Phase One of the Expo 2050 project was completed over the summer following nearly two years of construction. The approximately $500 million investment includes the new Ohio Ag Center, providing additional stalls, and the Ohio Showcase, which adds dining, hospitality, and programming space.

One of the biggest features of the revamp is the addition of the new CINCH Arena. The additional competition space will provide numerous benefits, including reducing late-night finishes and creating room for continued growth in ranch, reining, speed, and roping events.

Read on to learn more about the new features and improvements exhibitors can expect at this year’s All-American Quarter Horse Congress.

The Heart and History of Congress

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178 – September/October, 2026