The 2023 Illinois State Fair sets attendance records.
The more than 700-thousand people who visited the event in Springfield make this fair the most highly attended since industry standards were enacted.
State officials credit part of the increased attendance with new theme and discount days as well as good weather.
The high attendance numbers also reflect the second highest Grandstand tickets sold in the last five years.
Governor J-B Pritzker has obligated over 80-million dollars in infrastructure investments on the fairgrounds. Construction resumes this fall on Phase 2 of the Coliseum, which focuses on an electrical overhaul, underground plumbing, new seating, new restrooms, an elevator, and adding an HVAC system that will allow for year-round use.
