MINNEAPOLIS, MN. (February 2024) – The ultimate spring kickoff event and one of the country’s largest outdoors consumer shows, the 90th annualDiscover Boating® Northwest Sportshow, in partnership with Progressive® Insurance, returns to the Minneapolis Convention Center Thursday, March 14 – Sunday, March 17. The 2024 Sportshow is the Upper Midwest’s premier outdoors event, offering unbeatable access to the best in boats, plus fishing, hunting, travel and outdoor gear from over 300 exhibitors to inspire endless adventures to come. For those with the travel bug, outfitters, guides, resorts and lodges from the US, Canada, Africa and Central America will be on-site to bring those excursion plans to life.
An event filled with non-stop fun for all ages, the 2024 Northwest Sportshow brings the energy and excitement of the great outdoors inside with live entertainment, education and activities for everyone. Tickets are on sale now atNorthwestSportshow.com.
Opportunities to learn, shop and plan for any outdoors adventure include:
Free Fishing Seminars – Learn from the Pros. Gain valuable knowledge from the industry’s leading professionals at the show’s renowned Fishing Seminar Series. Seminars will cover a wide range of topics for everyone from the new boater to the avid angler.
Hawg Trough – 5,000-Gallon Fishing Tank Featuring Demos from the Industry’s Top Anglers. Catch demonstrations by pro anglers at the show’s 5,000-gallon aquarium stocked with native Minnesota fish species. Learn the ins and outs of fishing and casting methods plus a firsthand live look at how fish react to various types of bait and lures in real time.
Extreme Raptors Show - Learn about the Stunning Birds of Prey. From eagles to hawks, falcons and owls, this show will highlight the beauty and charisma of these fierce, feathered predators as master falconer and wildlife rehabilitator Jonathan Wood shares the fascinating history in this action-packed, comedy-filled show.
Fishing 101 – Learn Basic Fishing Skills, Play Games and More. The hub for all aspiring and avid anglers, attendees will have a chance to cast for big fish at LUNDkery Lake, test their casting accuracy at Backyard Flipping and more. Aspiring junior anglers can pick up a free fishing coloring book or try their hand at a game of FISH bingo. Staffed by the Lund Boat Fishing Pros and Student Angler Tournament Trail Coaches.
Trout Pond – Free Catch & Release Fishing Experience for Junior Anglers. The perfect introduction to the fun of fishing, kids of all ages can enjoy a catch-and-release fishing pond all weekend long.
Create a Crankbait – One-of-a-Kind Show Souvenir. Sponsored by TIPS Outdoors, crafty young anglers can create a crankbait using balsa wood bodies, paint, and stick-on lure eyes to take home.
Ducks Unlimited – Learn About Wetlands Conservation. Attendees can help fill the skies with waterfowl for future generations by supporting Ducks Unlimited’s conservation mission with silent auctions, raffles and more. While supplies last, kids can stop by for a free Duck Decoy painting.
Super Thursday: $5 Tickets, Parking Discounts and More from 5-8 PM. The early bird gets the worm! On Thursday, attendees can avoid the weekend crowds and enjoy one-day-only deals on admission, discounted parking, food and drink specials.
New! Friday Walleye Fish-Fry. Cast a line out to the concession stand and catch a delicious basked of the Friday fish fry special. Enjoy 4 pieces of beer-batter walleye, served with tartar sauce and lemon. Chips and french fries will be available to add-on as well. While supplies last.
Up North Lodge – Sit Back, Relax and Enjoy a Taste of Summer at the Minnesota-Inspired Oasis. Escape the chilly Winter temps for a few hours and enjoy a bite to eat, something to drink at “lake”.
Live Music – Featuring Minneapolis’ Own Jackson Burn.The talented local musician will perform on Thursday and Friday from 3 pm – 7pm, as well as Saturday from 2 pm – 6 pm.
Fred’s Shed How-To Center, presented by Progressive® Insurance – The Ultimate Destination for Tips, Tricks and DIY Advice.A one-stop resource for everyone from first time boaters to experienced captains. Tech experts will be on-site and at the ready to help attendees level up their boat-maintenance skills offering tips, tricks and DIY advice along the way.
Attendees can also expect a variety of giveaways (while supplies last) including:
- Enter by Thursday, March 14 Online - enter for a chance to win a 2024 Can-Am Outlander 500 ATV! Four qualifiers will be randomly chosen to compete in the 6th Annual Baggo tournament to determine the winner! The Can-Am is valued at $8,040 and the giveaway is sponsored by St. Boni Motor Sports, Minneapolis Motor Sports, Can-Am and 93X.
- Thursday, March 14 - starting at 1 pm, all attendees will receive a Thill Fish’n Foam Float.
- Friday, March 15 - starting at 12 pm - attendees ages 12 and under will receive a free Rapala beanie or Rapala-brand beanie.
- Saturday, March 16 - starting at 10AM, attendees ages 12 and under will receive a free Fishlab Bio Weedless Spoon 1/2oz.
- Sunday, March 17 - starting at 10 AM, attendees ages 12 and under will receive a free Walleye Nation Creation’s Little Square Bill Reaper, Gold Digger Crankbait.
- Tickets are available for purchase online.
- Tickets are $13 for adults online ($15 at the door)
- Children 12 years of age and younger are free with a paid adult admission.
- Thursday, March 14 - $5 After 5pm: Enjoy tickets for $5 (Valid March 14 Only / Sold Exclusively Online)
- Thursday, March 14 - Senior Day: Enjoy tickets for $12 for attendees ages 62+ (Valid March 14 Only from 1pm-7:30pm)