PHOTO OPPORTUNITY - MEDIA EVENT

Farewell to the Ice Event - This Saturday, March 1

ST. PAUL, MINN. (02/28/2014)(readMedia)-- "Farewell to the Ice" – A Free Open Skating Event at the Minnesota State Fair's Coliseum

What?: Join hockey, figure skating and State Fair fans as we say "farewell to the ice" at a free open skating event this Saturday, March 1. Capture footage of the fun and reminiscing as guests skate with State Fair mascots Fairborne and Fairchild and say goodbye to the rink that has been home to decades of storied hockey games and team practices.

Ice-making equipment was first installed in the Coliseum in1975, and the venue began hosting hockey games in 1976. In the 1980s and the early '90s, the Warner Coliseum was home ice for several high schools, two universities and a semi-pro team, that together, played nearly 150 games per year in the building. Ice operations at the fair will be discontinued due to deteriorating ice-making equipment and dwindling rink rentals; the Warner Coliseum will continue to be used year-round for horse shows, livestock and special events.

When?: Cameras can capture the event from 4 to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 1.

(The public event runs from 4 to 7 p.m.)

Where?: Lee & Rose Warner Coliseum Ice Rink

1784 Judson Ave., St. Paul

Minnesota State Fairgrounds

Contact: Brienna Schuette

Before Event: (651) 288-4321 or media@mnstatefair.org

During Event: (651) 775-0571