In 1953, the Louisiana State University spent approximately $100,000 to improve the acoustics inside the coliseum and installed a new public address system. The University also has installed an emergency lighting system which automatically lights the building when the permanent system is interrupted.

In 1956, the Harry B. Nelson family built the Nelson Memorial Building for a youth center in memory of Harry B. Nelson. This facility is used almost 365 days a year as a favorite meeting place for Extension functions, associations, livestock organizations, youth groups and a myriad of other functions of the immediate university community.

In 1976, the sheep and swine were moved out of the main livestock barn into a new sheep and swine building across the street on the south side of the main livestock barn. This building measures 210 feet by 210 feet and has over 500 individual pens.

In 1976, the new Mini Farm building was constructed, measuring 60 feet wide by 90 feet long. Nearly every year since, more than 50,000 schoolchildren, adults and visitors have toured the Mini Farm during the livestock show. This building is used several times each week as a meeting area, place to host meals for 100 to 300 people, exhibits area, science fairs and many other events.

In 1979, a 54-site Motor Home camper facility was completed behind Nelson Memorial and the Mini Farm for the convenience of the exhibitors. These sites provide both water and electrical hook-ups. 

In 1980, a fourth addition, an 80 foot by 175 foot covered arena was added to the present facility. This arena is used as judging arena for cattle shows, warm-up arena for horse shows and sales arena for association sales.

In 1995, the original section of the livestock exhibit barn was torn down and rebuilt. The new structure was designed for better ventilation and constructed of structural galvanized steel.  All electrical service was put underground and each electrical outlet was put on a separate breaker. The lighting was greatly improved and the PA system improved.

In 1997, temporary plans were drawn to replace the back two-thirds of the cattle barn, thereby enlarging the back arena, poultry barn and adding a milking parlor. The plans also call for closing up the sales arena so that it could be used for meetings, slide presentations, etc. This is on hold. waiting for funding.

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