The Arena

The MPA underwent an $8.6 million overhaul in 2022, repairing sidewalks, walls, steps, expansion joints, electrical systems, readjusting the tension structure, installing a new canopy, and rebuilding the retaining walls around the facility. The funding was made possible by the Governor’s historic Rebuild Illinois capital program, which modernizes infrastructure throughout the state. 

Constructed in 2000, the Multi-Purpose Arena is a 261,000 square foot building set on six-acres of the Illinois State Fairgrounds. The facility is known for hosting the National High School Rodeo Finals, monster truck shows, motorcycle racing, truck and tractor pulls, and demolition derby.

Illinois State Fair Multi-Purpose Arena

Admission is NOT included in price of a Grandstand or MPA Event Ticket.

The seating capacity for the Multi-Purpose Arena includes seating under the canopy, in the bleachers (southwest of the Arena floor), as well as lawn seating on the hill across from the Arena (northeast of the Arena floor) when bleachers are full.

More information regarding Arena events for the 2025 Illinois State Fair is coming soon.  Please check back again.