Grandstand Capital Fund Campaign
The North Dakota State Fair needs to build a new grandstand to better accommodate its growing attendance. Find out how you can help.

The State Fair is the largest annual event in the state, with nearly one quarter of a million people visiting the Fair each year. The State Fair provides character-building skills for its young exhibitors. In commitment to them, the Fair's mission is to attract as many possible viewers to the Fair to see the exhibits. Surveys show that grandstand entertainment is one of the top attractions that draw visitors to the NDSF each year.

Over $62,000,000 Annual Economic Impact

• The North Dakota State Fair is the largest annual event held in the state.
• The 2007 North Dakota State Fair was enjoyed by 248,501 fairgoers.
• The Minot Convention & Visitors Bureau calculates the economic impact of the Fair to be $35,000,000 annually.
• The other activities throughout the year are estimated to have an additional economic impact of over $27,000,000 annually.
• The new grandstand project is one way to help ensure and preserve this tremendous economic generator for the state.

• The current State Fair grandstand was constructed in 1955.
• The structure has 3,200 seats under roof and 2,000 bleacher seats outside the roof.
• Aluminum seats were renovated in 1979 and the aluminum bench seating was added in 1982.
• A minor upgrade to the gates and box office took place in 1984.
• Discussions about the need for replacement of the structure date back to 1982.

Structure – The decking of the grandstand is deteriorating and rusting through. The Fair has addressed this issue throughout the years by welding angle iron braces in the weakening areas, but the need has outgrown the capacity for repairs.

Safety Features – The bleacher seating outside of the grandstand roof was designed with large gaps along its edge and walkways, and is a safety concern for young children. The Fair has tried covering or partially filling this outdated design, but safety is still a concern.

Electrical System – The electrical system in the facility is the original system installed in 1955. Because of additional electrical needs over the years, the system has been added to several times. The result is an electrical load pulling nearly twice what it was designed for. Replacement parts for the aged system are no longer available, some being obsolete for more than 25 years.

Seating – The current facility only provides enough seating for reserved seating ticket holders. Those who purchase general admission tickets must stand. The seating itself is outdated and compact in its design, making it difficult to maneuver.

Handicap Accessibility – Handicap accessibility in the grandstand is limited. The Fair has renovated a small portion of seating to allow for handicap access, but there are not enough spaces available for the need, nor does it sit under the roof of the grandstand.

Restrooms – The current facility does not provide enough restrooms for its capacity. Restroom facilities in the grandstand are outdated and despite the Fair’s best efforts, unsanitary for guests.

Concession Stands – Concession facilities are not adequate for the current grandstand capacity and have outdated electrical service as well.

Lighting System – Lighting system indoors and outdoors is outdated. The lighting underneath the grandstand is old, dark and outdated.

• Seating for 7,000 people under one roof
• A more up-to-date seating design to allow better traffic flow and accessibility
• Adequate handicap accessibility
• Additional and modern bathroom facilities
• Additional and updated concession areas
• Updated electrical system that complies with current codes
• New outdoor and indoor lighting system
• Assurances of structural soundness and safety

• This project will help generate greater revenues for the Fair and create additional economic impact and more sales tax revenues throughout the state.
• The grandstand is a perfect project for the state to fund in partnership with private sector support throughout the state because it will benefit the entire State of North Dakota, and the local Minot community is already providing substantial annual financial support for the Fair.

The estimated cost of this project is approximately $11-$17 million. To reach this goal, the State Fair has set up a capital campaign fund to raise money for the new facility. Contributions for this project may be sent to:

North Dakota State Fair
PO Box 1796
Minot, ND 58702

For any further questions, please dial 701-857-7620.