Alliant Energy Center, Madison

The Alliant Energy Center is a 164‑acre multi‑venue complex that attracts over one million visitors annually across more than 500 diverse events, from local expos to major concerts and conventions. Originally acquired in 1896 to serve as fairgrounds, the site evolved over the decades-hosting the Dane County Fair, establishing agricultural exhibitions, and eventually developing into today's premier event destination under the Alliant name since 2000.

Visitors will find four standout venues within the campus: the Veterans Memorial Coliseum, a circular arena seating over 10,000 designed for concerts, sports, and large-scale entertainment; the expansive Exhibition Hall, offering 255,000 sq ft of flexible space for conventions, trade shows, and banquets; the two New Holland Pavilions, with around 290,000 sq ft dedicated to agricultural and flat shows; and Willow Island, a landscaped 29‑acre outdoor space ideal for festivals and open‑air events. These venues support everything from cattle exhibitions to comic conventions and auto shows.

The venue’s storied past includes hosting the World Dairy Expo almost every October since 1967, which remains North America's premier dairy industry showcase, and serving as the home site for Madison Roller Derby and other local sporting traditions.