Minnesota State Fair Raises Ticket Prices to Fund $22M Renovations

FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn. (FOX 9) – The Minnesota State Fair will increase ticket prices by $2 this year, raising the cost of an adult admission to $20, officials announced Sunday. The hike comes as the fair seeks to fund extensive capital improvements, including a $22 million renovation of the historic Lee & Rose Warner Coliseum, and address rising operational costs.

Fair officials revealed the decision following the Minnesota State Agricultural Society’s Annual Meeting. The price increase marks the latest in a series of incremental hikes, with tickets rising by $1 in 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2023. Over the past two decades, ticket prices have more than doubled, climbing from $9 in 2005 to $20 in 2025. On-site parking will also see a $5 increase, jumping from $20 to $25.

The fair’s $71 million budget for 2025 includes funding for a range of projects, such as roof repairs, sewer system maintenance, and upgrades to fencing, lighting, and water stations. The centerpiece of the improvements is the Warner Coliseum renovation, the first major update to the 75-year-old building. The project will modernize the electrical system, replace the roof, install new seats, expand restrooms, and improve accessibility.

“Our goal is to exceed the expectations that guests and fair participants have for an exceptional experience in well-maintained facilities,” said Minnesota State Fair CEO Renee Alexander in a statement. “Delivering on this while ensuring the sustainability of our operations requires increased investment and financial stewardship.”

Alexander emphasized that the fair had avoided raising prices in 2024 due to tight budgets but noted that rising operational costs, including public safety expenses and competitive wages for over 2,000 seasonal staff, necessitated the increase. She encouraged fairgoers to take advantage of pre-fair discount tickets, which are available for $15 until Jan. 26.

The 2025 Minnesota State Fair is scheduled to run from Aug. 21 through Labor Day, Sept. 1. The 2024 fair saw the fifth-highest attendance in its history, with 1,925,904 visitors, and broke five daily attendance records.