Santa Clara County Fairgrounds

What Santa Clara County Fairgrounds does

The Santa Clara County Fairgrounds Management Corporation (SCCFMC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, founded in 1944 and operating as an official agent of the County of Santa Clara at 344 Tully Rd, San Jose, California. It runs a multi-venue event complex comprising 100+ acres with more than 150,000 square feet of indoor space (167,000 sq ft under roof) and outdoor event areas totaling hundreds of thousands of square feet. The property includes the Exposition Hall (45,000 sq ft, 4,850 capacity), Pavilion Hall (33,000 sq ft), Fiesta Hall (10,000 sq ft), Heritage Hall, Pepper Steak Hall, an Arena with 5,500 stage seats, and large paved, green, and plaza outdoor venues collectively capable of hosting 30,000+ guests in a single day.

The core technology footprint is non-proprietary and operational: on-site AV (over 80 Hi-Def screens at Bingo, 100+ screens at the OTB simulcast facility), a digital reader board on Monterey Highway for marketing, and standard venue infrastructure (loading doors, green rooms, environmental systems). Ancillary operating units include Fairgrounds Bingo (Wednesdays and Thursdays, volunteer-staffed with proceeds benefiting youth programs), Fairdowns OTB (off-track horseracing simulcasts from Santa Anita, Del Mar, Churchill Downs, Belmont Park), an in-house Food & Beverage / Catering department led by Chef Daryle Lupretta, and recurring programming such as the Thursday Night Music Series, the weekly La Pulgita Flea Market, dog-training classes, and the annual Santa Clara County Fair.

SCCFMC's revenue model combines venue rental (quote-based, transaction fee), event-driven concessions and catering (professional services), wagering revenue from bingo and OTB simulcasts (transaction fee), vendor fees from the flea market, and annual fair operations. GTM is event-driven: direct sales via the website (thefairgrounds.org), phone inquiries (408-494-3100), free event-request proposals, press coverage by regional outlets (KPIX, KTVU, KRON4), and social/email marketing reaching 1.1 million annual visitors across the 1.7-million-resident Silicon Valley service area.

Name

Santa Clara County Fairgrounds

Legal name

Santa Clara County Fairgrounds Management Corporation

Website

https://thefairgrounds.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1944

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

The Santa Clara County Fairgrounds Management Corporation (SCCFMC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit operating a 100-acre, multi-venue event complex in San Jose, California, serving corporate clients, private celebrations, public event promoters, and the Silicon Valley community through venue rentals, catering, bingo, OTB wagering, and the annual county fair.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Event Venue and Convention Services

NAICS

Amusement Parks and Arcades (7131), Amusement, Gambling, and Recreation Industries (713), Amusement and Theme Parks (713110), All Other Amusement and Recreation Industries (713990)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900), Services-Miscellaneous Amusement & Recreation (7990)

akta.pro primary industry

Fairgrounds & Expo Parks (THAHAAAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Local Community & Multi-Category Fairs (MPAGAFAO), Community Parades, Carnivals & Street Fairs (MPAGAEAE), Land-Based Bingo Halls (MPAEAGAA), Social/Free-to-Play Bingo Lounges (In-Venue) (MPAEAGAC)

Keywords

• Event venue rentals
• Convention and exhibition space
• Wedding and banquet facilities
• Outdoor event hosting
• Fairgrounds event management

Headquarters

HQ city

San Jose

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Venue Rental: The fairgrounds generates primary revenue by renting out its indoor and outdoor venues for various events including weddings, corporate events, trade shows, concerts, festivals, and private celebrations. Multiple venues are available with varying capacities.
2. Bingo Operations: Fairgrounds Bingo operates every Wednesday and Thursday with paper games, flash games, and strip games. The operation is staffed by volunteers and all proceeds benefit County Fair Youth Programs.
3. Off-Track Betting (OTB): Fairdowns OTB at the fairgrounds offers simulcast horseracing from major tracks with over 100 large video screens and a sports bar. Patrons can place various wagers including Win, Place, Show, Exacta, Trifecta, Superfecta, and Pick bets.
4. Catering Services: The food and beverage department provides catering services ranging from coffee service for 50 to fully catered banquets serving several thousand guests.
5. Annual County Fair: The organization produces the annual Santa Clara County Fair, a major community event celebrating local traditions and agricultural culture.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

The Santa Clara County Fairgrounds rents its indoor and outdoor event venues for corporate meetings, weddings, trade shows, concerts, festivals, and private celebrations, and operates recurring public programming including Fairgrounds Bingo, Fairdowns OTB horseracing simulcasts, the La Pulgita Flea Market, and the Thursday Night Music Series. The venue also delivers in-house food, beverage, and catering services and produces the annual Santa Clara County Fair.

Product overview

Santa Clara County Fairgrounds is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization operating as a multi-venue event complex in the heart of Silicon Valley. The company offers a portfolio of distinct indoor and outdoor venues for rent, including Exposition Hall (45,000 sq ft), Pavilion Hall (33,000 sq ft), Fiesta Hall (10,000 sq ft), Heritage Hall, Pepper Steak Hall, Arena, Paved Area, Green Area, and International Park & Plaza. Beyond venue rental, the portfolio includes recurring programming such as Fairgrounds Bingo (Wednesdays/Thursdays), the Thursday Night Music Series (summer), La Pulgita Flea Market (Wednesdays), Fairdowns OTB horseracing betting, and dog training classes. The company also provides in-house food, beverage, and catering services. The venues collectively offer over 167,000 square feet under roof on 100+ acres, capable of hosting 30,000+ guests daily.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Exposition Hall Large indoor venue with 45,000 square feet of space and 29'6" ceiling height, accommodating up to 4,850 for assembly and 3,000 for dining. Features loading door, office space, green rooms, ATM, and a state-of-the-art environmental system. Suitable for trade and home shows, concerts, and large public and private gatherings.
• Pavilion Hall Indoor venue with 33,000 square feet, 12'x14" roll-up door, 60'x80" dance floor, office spaces, and a 10,000 square foot patio. Accommodates 3,000 guests. Suitable for concerts, pet shows, large parties, collectible shows, retirement parties, and sales.
• Fiesta Hall Elegant indoor venue with over 10,000 square feet of space and 6" ceiling height, accommodating more than 400 guests. Features a 12'x14" roll-up door. Suitable for quinceañeras, bridal showers, large receptions, and parties.
• Heritage Hall Intimate indoor venue with 2,700 square feet and 11" ceiling height, accommodating up to 100 guests for parties and dining. Suitable for birthday parties and elegant receptions.
• Arena Outdoor venue with capacity of up to 5,500 guests in stage seating and 3,000 on the floor, featuring comfortable bleachers. Includes secure on-premise parking, controlled access for paid events, and ticket booths with online sales. Suitable for rodeos, motorsports events, graduations, equestrian events, and religious gatherings.
• Pepper Steak Hall Intimate venue with 2,700 square feet, 470 square foot patio, and 9'6" ceiling height, accommodating up to 100 guests. Suitable for small parties, corporate and group meetings, and educational and training classes.
• Paved Area Outdoor paved venue with 200,000 square feet and capacity for 1,500 vehicles. Features 5 accessible entry points and is centrally located with water access. Suitable for circus, test drives, obstacle courses, farmer's markets, and car shows.
• Green Area Outdoor grass venue of 300x300 square feet with capacity of 12,000. Features grass area and electrical amenities. Suitable for festivals, sports events, and corporate festivals.
• International Park & Plaza Outdoor venue with 125,000 square feet and capacity of 5,000. Recently renovated with modern amenities. Suitable for sport events and outdoor gatherings.
• Thursday Night Music Series Free live music series held every Thursday night during summer at International Park & Plaza. Features food trucks, beer and wine bar, and lawn seating. Multiple bands perform including Adam Aldama and The Aces, RPM, CARNAVAL, and SuperBad.
• Fairgrounds Bingo Bingo games held every Wednesday and Thursday at Gate C. Features state-of-the-art facility with over 80 Hi-Def screens. Doors open at 4:30PM, early bird games at 6:30PM, regular games at 7:00PM. Operated by volunteers with proceeds benefiting County Fair Youth Programs.
• La Pulgita Flea Market Weekly flea market held every Wednesday from 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM at Tully Road. Features local vendors, handmade goods, vintage finds, food trucks, and community gathering.
• Fairdowns OTB (Off-Track Betting) Horseracing off-track betting venue with over 100 large video screens and sports bar. Features live simulcasts from top tracks including Santa Anita Park, Del Mar, Churchill Downs, and Belmont Park. Offers various wager types including Win, Place, Show, Exacta, Trifecta, Superfecta, and Pick bets.
• Food, Beverage & Catering Services In-house food and beverage department offering services from coffee service for 50 to fully catered banquets serving several thousand guests. Managed by Chef and Food and Beverage Manager Daryle Lupretta.
• Dog Training Classes Dog training sessions hosted by Santa Clara Dog Training Club at Fiesta Hall. Classes held every Tuesday from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Winter-Spring Session runs January 6 to May 26, 2026. Expert-led training for all skill levels with positive reinforcement methods.
• Annual Santa Clara County Fair The annual Santa Clara County Fair, a major community event celebrating local traditions and agricultural culture.

Quantifiable outcome

• Capable of hosting over 30,000 guests per day
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Five partnerships are on record, tiered major, core and minor.

• San Jose EarthquakesmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 6 December 2023Santa Clara County leased 30 acres of the fairgrounds to the San Jose Earthquakes for development of 8 soccer fields including 4 public turf fields and a professional training facility. The professional team will pay $50 million for development. The facility will include medical facilities, locker rooms, a theater, and dining hall for the club.
• Western Fairs AssociationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe fairgrounds is a proud member of the Western Fairs Association, a non-profit organization that represents and supports the industry of fairs, exhibitions and events by offering training, advice, and resources. It also promotes education and preservation of agricultural culture.
• Santa Clara CountycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAs an official agent of the County of Santa Clara, the fairgrounds management corporation oversees the management and operations of the Fairgrounds property. The county is the landlord providing the land and infrastructure.
• City of San JosecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe city partnered with the county and San Jose Earthquakes to develop public soccer fields at the fairgrounds as part of the sports complex project.
• Santa Clara Dog Training ClubminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorThe Santa Clara Dog Training Club hosts training classes at Fiesta Hall every Tuesday, providing dog obedience and agility training for the community.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Cow Palace (California State Event Center): Direct peer multi-purpose event venue in Daly City, CA hosting concerts, trade shows, rodeos, and expos. Same Northern California catchment, similar government-affiliated nonprofit operator structure, and competing for many of the same promoters and equestrian/livestock events.
• Del Mar Fairgrounds (22nd DAA): San Diego-area fairgrounds operating the San Diego County Fair plus year-round venue rental, horse racing, and entertainment. Among the best-run nonprofit district agricultural association fairgrounds in California, often used as a comparable for SCCFMC's programming and governance.
• Sonoma County Fairgrounds: Northern California county fairgrounds in Santa Rosa operating the annual Sonoma County Fair, horse racing, floral/hall exhibitions, and venue rentals. Closest analog for fair programming, OTB/bingo operations, and county-managed nonprofit structure.
• Cal Expo (California Exposition & State Fair): State-owned fairgrounds in Sacramento operating the California State Fair plus year-round venue rentals, horse racing, and exhibitions. Closest large-scale analog in California for fair programming, exhibition halls, and government-operated multi-venue model.
• Solano County Fairgrounds: Valley-area county fairgrounds in Vallejo, CA hosting the annual Solano County Fair, OTB, and event rentals. Direct peer for fair programming, government-affiliated nonprofit operation, and Bay Area-adjacent catchment.
• San Mateo County Event Center: Bay Area county event center hosting fairs, expos, and trade shows. Comparable size, same regional event promoter ecosystem, and overlapping corporate/private event customer base within ~30 miles of Santa Clara County.
• Fairplex (LA County Fairgrounds): Large-scale Southern California fairgrounds in Pomona hosting the LA County Fair, NHRA motorsports, and year-round expos. Similar multi-venue model with significant outdoor acreage, indoor halls, and racing/OTB operations — a meaningful comparable for revenue mix and infrastructure scale.
• Alameda County Fairgrounds: Direct peer county fairgrounds in Pleasanton, CA, operating a similar mix of annual fair, event venue rental, horse racing, and carnival programming serving the East Bay. Comparable scale and nonprofit governance make it the closest like-for-like venue in the Bay Area.

Others

• Western Fairs Association: Industry association of which SCCFMC is a member, providing training, advocacy, and resources for fair and exposition operators across the western US. Useful as a comparable benchmarking source for venue utilization, fair attendance, and industry trends rather than a direct competitor.

Broad incumbents

• San Jose Convention Center: Downtown San Jose city-run convention center competing directly for corporate meetings, trade shows, and large private events in the same metro. Different operating model (city-owned vs. county-managed nonprofit) but directly substitutes for SCCFMC's Exposition Hall and Pavilion Hall bookings.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/SantaClaraCountyFairgrounds
• Instagraminstagram.com/explore/locations/334119829/santa-clara-county-fairgrounds
• Xx.com/SCCFMC
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/santa-clara-county-fairgrounds

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Santa Clara County Fairgrounds