Minnesota State Fair Changes: New Names For Iconic Stages

They've been a part of the Great Minnesota Get-Together for years, but these two familiar attractions will be sporting new names at this year's state fair.

The Minnesota State Fair is one of the largest and best-attended expositions in the world. Showcasing the North Star State’s finest agriculture, art, and industry, as its website says, 'the Great Minnesota Get-Together is 12 Days of Fun ending Labor Day!'

Our state fair has been a summer tradition here in the Land of 10,000 Lakes for almost as many years as Minnesota has been around. According to the official Minnesota State Fair website, the first Fair was held way back in 1859, just a year after Minnesota became a state.

SEE ALSO: The Minnesota State Fair Named Best in the US... Again!

Speaking of fun, here's a fun fact: Did you know the state fair used to be held at various cities around Minnesota? Before locating permanently on its current fairgrounds in Falcon Heights (midway between Minneapolis and St. Paul), the fair used to rotate locations, with various versions having been held in Rochester, Red Wing, Winona, Owatonna, Minneapolis, and St. Paul.

This year's state fair is set to run from August 21 through Labor Day, September 1st, 2025. But there will be two brand new names for familiar attractions we've known for years that fair this summer:

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That's because both Leinenkugel's Brewing and August Schell Brewing Company have ended their sponsorships of two different free stages at the fair. According to TwinCities.com, the Leinie's Lodge Bandshell-- the largest free stage at the fair-- will now be called the Bandshell. And the Schell’s Stage at Schilling Amphitheater will now be called the West End Market Stage at Schilling Amphitheater.

The view of the Bandshell, when it was known as the Leinie Lodge Bandshell. (Minnesota State Fair)

The story didn't give a specific reason why Leinie's, which had sponsored the Leinie Lodge Bandshell since 2001, or why Schell's, which had sponsored the Heritage Square stage since 2004 (and more recently, the Schell’s Stage at Schilling Amphitheater), both ended their sponsorships.

These changing sponsorships and venues changing names are nothing new to the North Star State, however. A few years ago, the University of Minnesota's football stadium changed its name from TCF Bank to Huntington Bank Stadium. And the Minnesota Wild announced earlier this year that their home arena will no longer be called the Xcel Energy Center after that 25-year naming sponsorship deal officially ends later this summer as well.

So for now, we'll have to get used to calling those stages by their new, sponsor-less names. Unless, of course, the fair strikes a naming deal with a new sponsor (which the fair is open to, the story said) in time for this year's run, that is-- then we'll have to get used to two entirely new names!

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Items That Are Banned At The Minnesota State Fair

The Great Minnesota Get-Together is not only the best event of the year in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, but it is a must for anyone who calls themselves a true Minnesotan. Before you go to the Minnesota State Fair though, make sure you don't bring along any of these prohibited items.

Gallery Credit: Jessica On The Radio