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State Fair admission price to go up to help pay for Coliseum renovation
It’s the first significant upgrade to the Lee & Rose Warner Coliseum since the building opened in 1951.
FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn. — The cost of admission for the Great Minnesota Get-Together will increase this summer to help pay for a multi-million renovation on the Lee & Rose Warner Coliseum, according to fair officials.
The Minnesota State Fair announced that the price of admission will go up $2 this summer to help pay for the Coliseum’s first significant upgrade since it opened in 1951. The decision was approved at the 166th Minnesota State Agricultural Society meeting, which wrapped up Sunday in Bloomington.
According to a release, the project, which will cost an estimated $22 million, will include replacing the roof, modernizing mechanical and electrical systems, installing new seats, expanding bathroom capacity, renovating entryways, and improving lighting, ventilation, and accessibility.
“Our goal is to exceed the expectations that guests and fair participants have for an exceptional experience in well-maintained facilities,” said State Fair CEO Renee Alexander in a news release. “Delivering on this while ensuring the sustainability of our operations requires increased investment and financial stewardship.”
The renovation at the Coliseum, which hosts livestock and horse competitions, is expected to be complete in 2026. Another $6.2 million will be used for other “upkeep and capital” projects.
“We consciously did not raise ticket and parking prices last year because we know that Minnesotans’ budgets are tight,” Alexander said. “We encourage our guests to take advantage of the many ways to save on admission — such as buying pre-fair discount tickets — as nearly 60 percent of our guests did in 2024.”
The price of admission this summer will be:
- Pre pre-fair (Now through Jan. 26): $15
- Pre-fair (All ages, Jan. 27-Aug. 20): $17
- Regular fair-time
- Adults (Ages 13-64): $20
- Seniors (Ages 65+): $18
- Kids (Ages 5-12): $18
- Children (Ages 4 and under): Free
On-site parking will increase to $25 this summer—$5 more than in 2024—but fair-sponsored park-and-ride services will remain free.
“We do not take lightly the decision to increase prices, and every dollar earned is reinvested into ensuring the State Fair remains a premier experience and one of the best values you’ll find for any event,” said Alexander.
Attention Fairgoers!
Starting next year, the admission price for the State Fair will be increasing to help fund the much-needed renovation of the Coliseum. This decision was made in order to ensure that our beloved fairgrounds continue to thrive and provide a top-notch experience for all visitors.
While we understand that no one likes to see prices go up, we believe that this investment will benefit the community as a whole and preserve the historic Coliseum for generations to come. We appreciate your understanding and support as we work towards making the State Fair an even better place for everyone to enjoy.
Thank you for your continued patronage and we look forward to seeing you at the fair next year!
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