The State Fair admission price will be increased to help fund renovations to the Coliseum

FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn. – Admission costs for the Great Minnesota Get-Together will increase this summer to help fund a multimillion-dollar renovation of the Lee & Rose Warner Coliseum, fair officials said.

The Minnesota State Fair announced it will increase admission prices by $2 this summer to help fund the first significant upgrade to the Coliseum since it opened in 1951. The decision was approved at the 166th meeting of the Minnesota State Agricultural Society, which concluded Sunday in Bloomington.

According to a press release, the project, estimated to cost $22 million, includes replacing the roof, upgrading mechanical and electrical systems, installing new seats, expanding bathroom capacity, renovating entryways and improving lighting, ventilation and accessibility.

“Our goal is to exceed guests’ and fair attendees’ expectations for an exceptional experience in well-maintained facilities,” State Fair CEO Renee Alexander said in a press release. “Achieving this while ensuring the sustainability of our operations will require greater investment and financial management.”

Renovation of the Colosseum, which hosts livestock and horse competitions, is expected to be completed in 2026. Another $6.2 million will be used for other “maintenance and capital” projects.

“We intentionally did not increase ticket and parking prices last year because we know Minnesotans’ budgets are tight,” Alexander said. “We encourage our guests to take advantage of the many ways to save on admission – such as purchasing discounted tickets before the show – as nearly 60 percent of our guests did in 2024.”

The entrance fee this summer is:

• Before the fair (Now through January 26): $15
• Before the fair (All ages, January 27 – August 20): $17
• Regular trade fair time
  • Adults (ages 13-64): $20
  • Seniors (age 65 and over): $18
  • Children (ages 5-12): $18
  • Children (up to 4 years): Free

On-site parking will rise to $25 this summer — $5 more than in 2024 — but fair-sponsored park-and-ride services will remain free.

“We do not make the decision to increase prices lightly and every dollar earned will be reinvested to ensure the State Fair continues to be a world-class experience and one of the best offerings for any event,” Alexander said.