Fairgoers to Enjoy New Warner Coliseum Upgrades
The iconic Lee and Rose Warner Coliseum is significantly upgraded for the first time in its 75-year history including a new roof, arena seating, restrooms, HVAC, electrical, lighting, ADA accessibility ramps and seating, and aesthetic architectural improvements.
Few things bring as much joy to Minnesotans than their cherished State Fair, which will be back for its 172nd year later this summer. This great Minnesota get-together is held every year mid-way between Minneapolis and St. Paul, with 322 acres of tree-lined streets, livestock barns, and iconic gathering spaces. People from around the world come for the food, rides, and events year after year, attended by almost two million guests over 12 days.
This year, fairgoers will enjoy an upgraded, more comfortable experience at the newly remodeled Warner Coliseum. Attendees may have noticed last year that this iconic building was temporarily closed as part of a multi-year renovation. The State Fair made this decision after a condition assessment from TKDA showed the building needed improvements to continue hosting events for years to come.
The State Fair partnered with TKDA to lead the $22M renovation to the coliseum, updating the building’s infrastructure and creating a more comfortable, accessible experience. Emphasizing the importance of this renovation, State Fair media spokesperson Maria Haydon said, “This is a major transformation, but one that preserves the spirit of a building that so many people care about.” The 75-year-old, two-story, 48,000-SF concrete building hosts a wide range of events, including livestock shows, dog shows, bull riding, and equestrian competitions during the 12-day State Fair and throughout the year.
The building’s upgrades included replacing the leaking roof, which needed significant repair and took months of construction due to the coliseum’s size. Inside the building, attendees will be met with new entryways, expanded restrooms, ADA ramps, widened aisles, railings, and 4,700 brand-new seats designed to be more comfortable and accessible.
Not as visible but equally important to the building’s upgrades, TKDA modernized the mechanical and electrical systems and improved lighting and ventilation – something to be much appreciated by fairgoers on hot August days. The new lighting will meet Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) requirements, and better illuminate the various events taking place, from rodeos to high school robotics competitions.
With these upgrades, the Warner Coliseum will be a reliable, welcoming venue for many fairs to come. Fairgoers will notice the difference in the Coliseum right away, and behind the scenes this building is stronger, safer, and ready to support the plethora of events it hosts year-round. Reflecting on the project’s impact, TKDA project manager Brett Morse said, “I have enjoyed attending events with my family at this iconic building over the past 50 years, as an attendee and as an engineer with a passion for historical buildings. I appreciate that the Minnesota State Fair gave TKDA the opportunity to bring their vision to fruition and allow fairgoers to enjoy a much improved and enjoyable facility for another 75-years.”
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