Aug. 27 – Labor Day, Sept. 7, 2026
Coliseum History — NOTABLE EVENTS
1906: James J. Hill dedicated the new Hippodrome (also referred to as the Livestock Amphitheater) in front of thousands of people on opening day of the State Fair on Monday, Sept. 3.
1914: The fairgrounds welcomed more than 50,000 people, including a chorus of over 1,400 singing in the Hippodrome, to celebrate the centennial of Constitution Day of Norway.
1927: Boxing ring inside the Hippodrome & boxing bell
1938: Sweden’s crown prince and princess, guests of Swedish Day
1939: Norway’s Crown Prince Olav and Crown Princess Martha attend religious services at the Hippodrome
1929 to 1941: Marching band competitions
1962: On Oct. 6, John F. Kennedy gave a speech during a Democratic “Bean Feed” held in the Hippodrome and Cattle Barn.
1953: Dodge auto show and dinner hosted in the arena and concourse.
1964: A snowed-in Midway Stadium brought the Vikings, including Tommy Mason and Jim Prestel, to the Hippodrome for their first indoor practice.
Warner Coliseum hosts a variety of horse shows throughout the summer and fall that showcase diverse breeds and disciplines, including Tanbark Cavalcade of Roses (top) and Region 10 Championships (bottom).
Minnesota Horse Expo, the state’s largest equine trade show and breed exhibition, has been held here almost exclusively since 1989.
2023: AIJCA Junior Nationals; The American-International Charolais Association is one of several beef cattle associations to have held their junior national shows here.
