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SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Over 636,700 visitors walked through the Illinois State Fair gates this year, beating the previous record of 508,900 in 2019.
Weekend attendance during the fair saw an increase of nearly 95,000 people over 2021.
The high attendance numbers also were reflected by the over $6.4 million in estimated revenue.
While the 2022 estimated revenue figures appear to have fallen just short of the 2019 record of $6.5 million, these are estimated figures. Percentage-based vendors have yet to begin their payment.
It was also noted two Illinois State Fair events generally held during the fair — the Illinois State Fair Rodeo and the Bettenhausen 100 — will be held at later dates in 2022, adding to the overall revenue numbers.
“Once again, the Illinois State Fair was a resounding success,” said Gov. J.B. Pritzker. “Thanks to the leadership of Director Jerry Costello and Fair Manager Rebecca Clark, thousands of Illinoisans and people throughout the nation descended upon Springfield for 11 days of exciting exhibits, delicious food and community fun — all while honoring our state’s legacy of strong agricultural traditions.”
“The record attendance proves that the Illinois State Fair is more than an event, it’s also a reunion for residents from every region to gather and enjoy the businesses, exhibits, food and entertainment that make our state diverse and a great place to live,” added Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton.
“Thank you to all those who put in the work to make the Illinois State Fair amazing and a must-do experience every year.”
A grandstand revenue record was set in 2022, with over $2.3 million coming in for the nine shows. That eclipses the previous record of over $2.2 million set in 2019.
Overall, tickets sold this year for the Illinois Lottery Grandstand came in fourth out of the last five years, with 48,104.
“We were blessed with 11 days of great weather, which meant large crowds and even larger smiles for our fairgoers,” Clark said.
“While it is great to have these amazing numbers, it was even better seeing so many people enjoying the Illinois State Fair. We now get back to work planning for 2023 and we hope to see you all back again.”
The 2023 Illinois State Fair is set to run Aug. 10-20.
Upgrades Resume
The end of the fair means the continuation of the $58.1 million capital investment addressing years of deferred maintenance on the historic state fairgrounds. Construction will resume on the Coliseum.
Phase 2 will focus on an electrical overhaul, underground plumbing, new seating, new restrooms, an elevator and adding an HVAC system that will allow for heating and cooling of the facility. The anticipated cost for the Phase 2 of the Coliseum renovations is approximately $16.3 million.
Other projects slated to take place in fiscal year 2023 include:
• 11.9 million: HVAC replacements on the Orr Building, Illinois Building, Junior Livestock Building, Artisans Building, Hobbies Arts and Crafts Building and Grandstand.
• $8 million: Road construction along Eighth Street between the IDOA building and the IDNR building and along the backstretch on the northwest corner of the fairgrounds — provides funding to make structural improvements to the south pedestrian tunnel leading into the fairgrounds from Gate 6/Infield Parking.
• $2.994 million: Tuckpoint work in the Grandstand, Artisans, Hobbies Arts and Crafts, Emmerson and Block buildings.
• $2.585 million: Energy improvement repairs for Block Building.
• $1.87 million: Roof replacements on the Junior Livestock Building, Sheep Barn, Hobbies Arts and Crafts Building and at least three barns along the backstretch.
• $1.7 million: Roof and HVAC replacement to Illinois State Fair Administration Building.