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Indiana State Fairgrounds announces expansion of Hoosier Lottery Stage

Friday, November 7, 2025 at 8:35 AM

By Staff report

The Indiana State Fair Commission formally announced plans for a multi-million dollar expansion and renovation for its on-campus boutique amphitheater, the Hoosier Lottery Free Stage,  set to be completed in time for the 2026 Indiana State Fair.

The venue is located in the heart of Indianapolis and has the infrastructure and accessibility of the Indiana State Fairgrounds complete with ample parking and varying capacity configurations in a familiar and unmatched setting for all Hoosiers to enjoy.

The enhancements for the Hoosier Lottery Stage will include improvements to all facets of the venue including:

  • New stage and expansion - 60'x40' main stage with two 30'x40' wings
  • Added roof height - 30' from stage deck to bottom of roof structure
  • Total roof load capacity upgrade - 92,000 lbs.
  • Brand new dual 10'x18' LED video walls (flown stage left and right)
  • Flexible seating capacity setups - 5,000-7,500 (depending on general admission or reserved seated shows or a mix of both general admission and reserved seating)

"Enhancing the Hoosier Lottery Stage concert area is an important investment for the future of the Indiana State Fairgrounds experience. These improvements allow us to better serve our guests, attract top-tier entertainment, and continue providing unforgettable moments for Hoosiers each summer, including outside of the Fair," said Anna Whelchel, Chief Marketing & Revenue Officer for the Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center. 

For years, the Hoosier Lottery Free Stage has been a major part of the annual Indiana State Fair where it welcomes internationally known artists of all genres. As the centerpiece of the State Fair’s entertainment lineup, it has built a powerful reputation among artists and audiences alike as a must-play stage on the State Fair circuit. Past performers on the Hoosier Lottery Free Stage include Babyface, Tyler Childers, STYX, The Beach Boys, Melissa Etheridge, Boyz II Men, The Fray, Chase Rice, Max McNown, Barenaked Ladies, Jesse McCartney, Josh Turner, Kansas, Casting Crowns, Patti LaBelle, for King & Country, Rick Springfield, Buddy Guy, Dogstar ft. Keanu Reeves and many, many more. 

The renovation will be designed and built to not only enhance the State Fair experience, but to create a true concert facility and event venue accessible 365 days a year.

The State Fairgrounds also announced a partnership where Indiana-based concert promotions company, MOKB Presents will program and book the Hoosier Lottery Stage during non-State Fair dates.

“The Hoosier Lottery Stage at the Indiana State Fairgrounds is an excellent addition to our portfolio of venues that we represent in Indiana,” said Dan Kemer, Co-Owner and VP of Programming for MOKB Presents. “This renovation and expansion will serve as a great opportunity for artists, managers and agents looking for an alternative outdoor Midwest-based venue in the 5,000-7,500 capacity range. And, it's a facility that Hoosiers are already familiar with and will now be able to enjoy throughout the year.”

"For us, the partnership with MOKB Presents is a strategic step forward—allowing us to maximize the potential of our facilities, expand our impact within the Indianapolis concert scene, and create more year-round opportunities for Hoosiers to connect and celebrate at this iconic institution," said Anna Whelchel, Chief Marketing & Revenue Officer for the Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center.

 

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