MOKB Presents Partners With Indiana State Fairgrounds Venue, Set To Undergo $4M Renovation, Beyond Fair Dates

Indianapolis-based promoter MOKB Presents has been announced as exclusive promoter for the Indiana State Fairgrounds Hoosier Lottery Stage outside of its annual fairdates. The 7,500-capacity venue space will undergo a $4 million renovation in time for the 2026 fair.

“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.” 

Kemer says the renovations are extensive, leading to bigger stage, increased roof load capacity, LED walls and more. As noted above, the fair will continue to book entertainment during the fair dates, while MOKB Presents can manage the calendar for the rest of the year, effectively bringing a new year-round venue to the Indianapolis market.

The Hoosier Lottery Stage adds to MOKB’s company’s portfolio of venues in the city that includes multiple Hi-Fi venues ranging from 200 to 950 capacity and the Nickel Plate Amphitheater (3,500 capacity). The Indiana State Fair draws up to 800,000 attendees per year and has hosted artists including REO Speedwagon, Tyler Childers, Blues Traveler, Kelly Clarkson, Styx, Sublime With Rome, Boyz II Men and many others. Renovations are to be complete in time for the 2026 fair, which takes place in early August.

MOKB’s booking timeline sees open dates after the 2026 State Fair, with full summer operation in 2027. MOKB will manage the calendar and is open to all genres and outside promoters, it says. The Hoosier Lottery Stage features multiple seating configurations, 7,000 paved parking spaces and dedicated production offices, dressing rooms, showers and crew space, with artist parking for four trucks and buses.

“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 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.”