WHAT: 76th Annual Northwest Sportshow
WHEN: April 2 – 6, 2008
WHERE: Minneapolis Convention Center
1301 Second Avenue South
Minneapolis, Minn.
SUMMARY: Avid outdoorsmen, families looking for fun and those gearing up for the warm weather season can find it all at the 76th Northwest Sportshow. This annual 5-day event turns the Minneapolis Convention Center into an outdoors one-stop-shop – the best place to see and buy everything for any outdoor adventure. Visitors can view and board hundreds of boats and explore the latest model RVs. Exhibits include gear and accessories for every outdoor activity, from boating, fishing and hunting, to RVing and camping. Find all this and more at the 76th Annual Sportshow.
SHOW HOURS: Wednesday, April 2 1:00pm – 9:00pm
Thursday, April 3 1:00pm – 9:00pm
Friday, April 4 1:00pm – 9:00pm
Saturday, April 5 10:00am – 9:00pm
Sunday, April 6 10:00am – 5:00pm
ADMISSION: Adults (16 and older) $10.00
Senior Day (62+) $7.00 (Thursday April 3 only)
Youth (13-15) $5.00
Children (12 and younger) FREE
NOTE: Discount Adult Tickets ($8.00) good any day of the show are on sale now at Cub Foods through April 1
SPECIAL FEATURES:
WORLD FAMOUS LUMBERJILLS
Enjoy daily shows featuring axe throwing, cross-cut sawing, underhand chopping and log-rolling. The LumberJills will be performing in Hall B at the Minneapolis Convention Center.
LumberJills’ Performance Schedule:
Wednesday, April 2, 4:00pm & 6:00pm
Thursday, April 3, 4:00pm & 6:00pm
Friday, April 4, 2:00pm, 4:00pm & 6:00pm
Saturday, April 5, 12:00pm, 2:00pm, 5:00pm & 7:00pm
Sunday, April 6, 11:00am, 1:00pm & 3:00pm
3-D POP-UP ARCHERY PRACTICE AND TOURNAMENT
The 3D Pop-Up Bowhunters Challenge is a simulated bowhunting environment for archers of all proficiency levels. The experience educates the shooter while testing their bowhunting skills and equipment. Pop & Walk-Out 3-D target stations, plus stationary decoy targets, keep the hunter thinking – never knowing which target is coming next or the distance of the target in this fast, fun and educational activity. Visit Room 101 G to sign up to compete in the tournament—participants need to bring their own bows for practicing and tournament entry!
Tournament Fees:
Practice Rounds 1 for $5.00, 3 for $10.00
Adult Tournament Entry $20.00
Teen/Pre-Teen Tournament Entry $10.00
Team Tournament Entry $20.00
Cash prizes are awarded based on the number of shooters in each division.
REMOTE CONTROL BOAT RACING
This exciting new feature offers attendees of all ages the opportunity to race screaming remote control boats, rooster tail and all, down a 72-foot-long aquatic drag strip. Located in Lobby E.
FRESHWATER FISHING HALL OF FAME DISPLAY
This historic exhibit, located near the Trout Pond in Lobby D, features a variety of unique fishing memorabilia including antique lures, rods and reels, vintage outboard motors and the world record muskie mount caught in Lake Chippewa Flowage, Wisc., by Louis Spray in 1949.
MAXUM “GET IN THE GAME” BOAT GIVEAWAY (Powered by GM)
This new promotion, powered by GM, will bring Minnesota professional football player (and outdoor enthusiast), Cedric Griffin, to the Show on [INSERT DATE, TIME] to meet local fans in Lobby B. Visitors can to enter to win great prizes on-site, including Sirius satellite radios, signed footballs and jerseys, as well as put their name in the running to win a football-themed Maxum 220 SR3 boat with Sirius Satellite Radio and trailer to be awarded in April. (Note: Personal items will not be autographed; photos are provided on-site.)
CROCS™ TEST DRIVE
The popular shoes, with their slip-resistant, non-marking soles, will be available for attendees to try out and wear during their time at the show. Available in a wide array of color and styles, attendees will have the opportunity to return the shoes for an online coupon, purchase the pair of shoes they are test driving, or may choose a different style as they leave the show floor.
WILLOW CREEK TROUT POND
Kids 12 and under can fish for live rainbow trout at this indoor pond located in Lobby D.
WOOD DUCK HOUSE BUILDING
This youth project sponsored by the Minnesota Waterfowl Association (MWA) allows children to build their own wood duck houses with the help of MWA volunteers. These highly effective houses provide nesting opportunities for female wood ducks.MWA will be showing videos and will have handouts for the "Best Practices" for these important nesting structures (while supplies last).
TRAVELIN’ FISH TANK
Don’t miss this 40 foot aquarium filled with 5,000 gallons of water and stocked with a variety of native fish. Daily fishing demonstrations by Gary Hain provide a rare underwater view of how fish react to and strike at various types of bait and fishing techniques. The Travelin’ Fish Tank is located at the back of Aisle 1100.
Licenses by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
The Minnesota DNR booth in Lobby D is the one-stop shop for all the licenses you’ll need for outdoor adventures this year.
HUNTER’S LASER SHOT GALLERY
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Firearms Safety Program will have FREE laser hunting games to teach children both the fun and importance of safety in hunting.
DISCOVER FLY FISHING CENTER
From tying flies and casting to knowing were to go, all of the information is available at the Discover Fly Fishing Center. Volunteers will provide instruction on how to tie knots and flies, as well as offering personalized lessons on throwing the best line at the indoor pond. Experts will also be on hand to discuss rod building, spooling and repair.
SHOPPING SPREE
One grand prize winner will be selected the week of March 24 to receive a $500 Northwest Sportshow shopping spree (for use exclusively at the show). No cash substitutions will be made available to winners.
SEMINAR STAGE
Learn more about birding, trophy walleye fishing, Muskie Mania, turkey hunting and everything in between from the nation’s top outdoors experts, including Larry Dahlberg, Ron Schara, Gary Clancy, Pete Maina, and Sharon Stiteler. View the full seminar schedule at www.NorthwestSportshow.com.
ENTER TO WIN PRIZES
Visit www.NorthwestSportshow.com to sign up to win one of these great prizes or enter on-site at the Show.
· Sportsman’s Canoe courtesy of River Ridge Custom Canoes
· Kayak-A-Day Giveaway - a total of FIVE Old Town Otter Kayaks with paddles will be given away, courtesy of Joe’s Sporting Goods
· Floe International Dock System, courtesy of Floe International Inc.
DAILY GIVEAWAYS
Wednesday – Attendees receive a FREE Northwest Sportshow flashlight (while supplies last)
Thursday - Attendees receive a FREE Northwest Sportshow tote bag (while supplies last)
Friday - Plano Take Me Fishing Day- Children 12 and under receive a FREE tackle box (while supplies last)
Saturday & Sunday - Allstate Safety Weekend- Children 12 and under receive a FREE life jacket (while supplies last) courtesy of Allstate Boat Insurance.
For more information, please visit www.NorthwestSportshow.com
MEDIA CONTACT: Bonnie Harris, 612-801-0912 or