Prairie State Wire

The Multi-Purpose Arena (MPA) is set to reopen for the 2023 Illinois State Fair following an $8.6 million renovation in 2022. The upgrades included repairs to sidewalks, walls, steps, expansion joints, electrical systems, tension structure adjustments, a new canopy installation, and retaining wall reconstruction. This project was funded by the Governor's Rebuild Illinois capital program aimed at modernizing state infrastructure.

Governor JB Pritzker stated, "The Illinois State Fair is one of the jewels of our state, and my administration has prioritized investing in our fairgrounds to make sure every inch of the grounds reflects the best of Illinois." He added that the improved arena is a significant addition to recent enhancements.

The MPA will host four major events during this year's fair. On Thursday, August 10, a monster truck thrill show called Monsters of Destruction will take place. The rodeo event ISF Bares, Broncs and Bulls returns on Saturday, August 12 with Outlaw 5J Rodeo Company promising an energetic experience.

From Monday, August 14 through Wednesday August 16, the Illinois Soybean Association presents three nights of ITPA Truck & Tractor Pulls. The arena's events conclude on Saturday, August 19 with the ISF Championship Demolition Derby.

Jerry Costello from the Illinois Department of Agriculture highlighted that "the re-opening of the MPA is just a reminder of the $58.1 million investment" made by Governor Pritzker's administration to enhance fairgrounds facilities. Rebecca Clark from the Illinois State Fair mentioned their excitement about having a refurbished MPA for this year's fair.

Tickets for Monsters of Destruction are available now while tickets for other events go on sale June 1. The fair runs from August 10 to 20 in Springfield.

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