Demolition of Minnesota State Fair Judging Arena Complete

Making Way for New AgStar Arena

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Rendering of the New AgStar Arena

ST. PAUL, MINN. (11/02/2011)(readMedia)-- The Minnesota State Fair's 1960s Judging Arena was demolished last week to make way for the new AgStar Arena. Construction will be substantially complete by April 2012.

The Judging Arena, a wooden structure that withstood decades of storm damage and extensive use, hosted showmanship competitions for beef, goats, lambs, llamas, alpacas, swine and horses during the fair, as well as throughout the fall, spring and summer.

The new AgStar Arena, a 27,000-square-foot agricultural education facility, will be used during the State Fair by 4-H, FFA and open-class exhibitors and seasonally for livestock and equine shows. The arena will carry this name in recognition of the leadership gift from AgStar Financial Services. It will be located on the Judging Arena's former footprint at the west end of the fairgrounds' livestock complex on Judson Avenue.

The Minnesota State Fair Foundation is offering an opportunity to honor individuals, special events, organizations or even prized animals in Star Plaza, outside the visitors' entrance to the new arena. Personalized brick pavers can be purchased through the Foundation at www.msffoundation.org and will be installed in time for the 2012 State Fair.

For more demolition photos and project details, plus plans for AgStar Arena and Star Plaza, visit the Minnesota State Fair Foundation's website, www.msffoundation.org/pages/programs/arena.html.