Illinois State Fair Preview

FILE - In this Aug. 2, 2018 photo, carnival rides await assembly for the midway of the Illinois State Fair. (AP Photo by John O'Connor)

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) - The Illinois State Fair is announcing the event lineup in The Arena for fair week. 

Monsters of Destruction will be held at The Arena Thursday, August 8 with an all-out monster truck thrill show featuring truck battles. Participating monster trucks include Against the Grain, Redneck Rampage, American Scout, Crusharoo and War Wizard. In addition to this head-to-head truck battle, attendees will also experience a Tuff Trucks competition and a side-by-side competition. 

Attendees can get up close with the monster trucks and meet the drivers at the Pit Party, open two hours before the show. Monster truck rides will be available during intermission and after the show.

Tickets to Monsters of Destruction start at $25 for adults and $20 for children 12 and under (prices increase on day of the event). VIP packages are also available for $40, which include access to VIP seating and a monster truck ride. 

As part of the Double the Fun promotion, anyone who pays to park on the grounds on Thursday, August 8, will be able to redeem their parking pass for free parking on one return trip to the fair on either Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday. 

On Saturday, August 10, rodeo events will be held by Wooten Rodeo.  Attendees will enjoy activities including: Bareback, Saddle Bronc, Bull Riding, Tie Down Roping, Over 40 Tie Down Roping, Breakaway Roping, Team Roping, Steer Wrestling and Barrel Racing. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for kids 12 and under.

The Illinois Tractor Pulling Association returns for three days of pulls on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, August 12-14. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for kids 12 and under.

The Demolition Derby will be held on Saturday, August 17. Tickets are $10 for adults, and $5 for kids.

“The Arena is freshly remodeled with numerous enhancements following a $8.6 million investment, and we are excited to fill this outdoor space with a solid lineup of entertainment during the Illinois State Fair,” said Jerry Costello II, Director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture. 

“The events featured in The Arena represent traditions for the Illinois State Fair as well as traditions for families throughout the state, my own included,” said Rebecca Clark, Illinois State Fair Manager. “We encourage fairgoers to purchase their tickets in advance to beat the lines at the gate and ensure they won’t miss any of the action inside The Arena! We look forward to packing the stands for these four great events.”

Tickets for all events are on sale now.  Visit https://statefair.illinois.gov/entertainment/arena.html for ticket prices and ticket information.

The 2024 Illinois State Fair runs from August 8 through August 18 in Springfield.

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