"What a giant ugly piece of crap!" is what the original builders of the tank plant that would become the I-X said as they stared at the barren field before them. So they decided to beautify that wasteland with a massive edifice dedicated to destroying the third reich. After all that war business was over, they needed to do something with this place.
Amusement park? Why not. Auto shows? Sure. Sometimes unscrupulous "deep discount" shows where foreign dudes sell stuff that fell off of a truck? Rarely, but it's happened.
We used to come to the auto show for art school field trips. Emphasis on the trip. One time a classmate took acid and freaked out there. We all had to wait on the bus to go home as he was sedated. Back then the auto show was really cool. I'm not that into cars as an adult, but i am into my house. The home and garden shows are a bit of a bore. Vendors and such. But the fantasy gardens they set up are fun to imagine yourself in back at your measly abode. I've never attended the indoor amusement park, and God willing, i never will.
Overall, it is useful. More convenient for west siders than east siders versus a downtown convention center. The food is gross and overpriced. The restrooms are usually up to snuff. And the traffic flow in and out from the freeway is usually not too bad.
OH wait! I forgot my favorite thing to visit here. The dog show!! It is heaven for a canine lover. They have skills exhibitions, vendors, and lots of cute pooches getting all dolled up. The I-X gets Best in Show.