Springfield, Illinois. Are You Going to the Grandstand? Here are some crucial reminders to be aware of before attending the Illinois State Fair. All visitors will enjoy a safe and enjoyable experience thanks to the Grandstand’s enhanced safety procedures.
This year, all Grandstand gates will include bag checks and walk-through metal detectors. Backpacks, duffle bags, and handbags larger than 14 x 8 are not permitted within the Grandstand. You will need to reenter the Grandstand after passing through metal detectors and the bag check.
Before you arrive, please check the complete list of prohibited goods to help us keep our venue safe.
Parking
Use Gates 4, 6, 7, 8, or 11 for general parking. The nearest gates to the grandstand are Gate 6 Lot 18 and Gate 7 Lot 21. Each vehicle costs $5 per day. Tram service is offered until 8 p.m., and handicap parking is available at Gates 4 and 11.
Food and Drink
Concessions at the grandstand are now cashless. At the time of sale, every drink will be opened. Drinks will be served in plastic cups on the track; bottles, cans, or sealed containers are not permitted. Outside food bought on the fairgrounds is allowed, but outside containers—including reusable cups—are not.
Tent for a Party
Parking Lot 18A (infield parking lot) is where you can enter the party tent. At the time specified on the party event ticket, the gate to the party tent opens. Since both will be scanned upon entry, both a concert ticket and a party ticket are needed to enter the party tent.
From the party tent area, partygoers will enter the concert site. Typically, the party lasts for one hour after it begins. Once the concert gates open, usually an hour before the start of the show, the party tent gate closes. Once the concert gates open, all partygoers must enter the venue; they are not permitted to reenter the party tent. No one will be permitted to enter the party tent once the concert gates are open and the party entrance gate is closed. Party ticket holders must enter through the concert gates indicated on their tickets if they arrive after the party gates have closed. There will be no reimbursements for late arrivals.
Tickets
Make sure to download your tickets to the Ticketmaster app before you arrive at the fairgrounds if you bought them on your phone. By doing this, you may reduce the likelihood of any delays entering the concert by ensuring a steady and dependable Wi-Fi connectivity.
See our website’s Grandstand Event Policies page for additional details.
The 2025 Illinois State Fair will take place in Springfield from August 7 to August 17. Connect on Facebook and Instagram to stay informed about all the most recent developments and happenings.
