Who’s ready for the Discover Boating® Northwest Sportshow® (in partnership with Progressive® Insurance)? Because it’s returning to the Minneapolis Convention Center on March 9–12, 2023.
With hundreds of boats on display and entertaining attractions for the whole family, this iconic event is the place to be. Stay tuned as our official Discover Boating Northwest Sportshow guide reveals what to expect and our recommended attractions.
Discover Boating Northwest Sportshow Guide
With so much to see and do, navigating the Discover Boating Northwest Sportshow can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve prepared this official guide to lead the way:
1. Shop for Boats and Outdoor Gear
As the Upper Midwest’s premier outdoors show, there’s no better place to gear up for your boating, fishing, and hunting adventures before the season opens. Along with hundreds of new boats, you’ll find the latest in marine electronics, fishing tackle, rods and reels, docks and lifts, hunting and outdoor gear all under one roof! And if your outdoor adventure plans include travel, you can also book trips with outfitters, guides resorts and lodges from the U.S., Canada, Africa, and Central America.
Before heading to the show, we recommend checking out the Boat Finder tool. This online tool allows you to browse the boats featured at this year’s show. That way, you can come prepared with pre-determined options that will work for you.
Check Out Our Boat Finder Tool
2. Enjoy the Super Thursday Special
Want to score a great deal on tickets? Our Super Thursday (3/9) $5 after 5 can’t be beaten. There will be tons of one-day-only deals on boats, fishing gear, travel and more between 5 pm and 9 pm. And if that’s not enough? You’ll also enjoy $5 admission, discounted parking, and plenty of food and drink specials to go around—all beginning at 5pm.
3. Watch Pro Anglers at Hawg Trough
Any anglers in the house? If so, gather around this 5,000-gallon aquarium (stocked with native Minnesota species) and watch the pros demonstrate their fishing and casting skills. It’s the perfect opportunity to get a first-hand look at how fish react to various fishing techniques, baits, and lures.
4. Stop by Fred’s Shed How-To Center (Presented by Progressive® Insurance)
Are you having maintenance troubles? Engine issues? Or any other nautical questions you need the answers to before boating season? Bring them by Fred’s Shed How-To Center, and our tech experts will gladly help.
5. Sharpen Those Fishing Skills
Want to improve your catch? Fishing 101 in Booth 2103 covers basic fishing skills for every kind of angler. Get ready to cast for big fish at LUNDker Lake and test your casting accuracy at Backyard Flipping (shoutout to the Lund Boat Fishing Pros and Student Angler Tournament Trail Coaches). Then, youngsters will walk away with a free fishing coloring book and/or a game of fish bingo!
6. Catch-and-Release Fish at Trout Pond
Catch-and-release fishing is a fantastic way to introduce youngsters to the joys of fishing. Because you throw everything back, there’s no limit to the fun!
Another benefit of bringing your kids to the show? There are numerous giveaways, which you can learn more about on this promotions page.
7. Hang Out at the Discover Boating Up North Lounge
What show is complete without a space to kick back, relax, and listen to live music? Chris Kelly will perform at the Discover Boating Up North Lounge (our Minnesota-inspired oasis) on Thursday–Saturday. And, of course, there will be plenty of drinks, street tacos, and Elote dip to go around!
8. Explore the Ducks Unlimited Room
Did you know that Ducks Unlimited works to conserve wetlands and protect waterfowl in Minnesota? If not, stop by the Ducks Unlimited room! Not only can you support their conservation mission with silent auctions, raffles, and more, but there will be free duck decoy paintings for the kids.
9. Create a Crankbait
Crafty young anglers will love creating crankbaits using hard plastic crankbait bodies. (Shoutout Tips Outdoors.) Get ready for quick-dry professional paints and stick-on lure eyes galore!
10. Learn from the Pros During a Fishing Seminar
Want expert tips on catching more fish? (Let’s be honest, who doesn’t?) Professional anglers are dishing out everything they know during the Discover Boating Northwest Sportshow’s fishing seminars. We’re covering various topics and species, including bass, crappie, muskies, walleye, and everything in between.
Ticket Information
Has this Discover Boating Northwest Sportshow guide piqued your interest? Fantastic! You can purchase tickets online for $15 per person. In addition, all children 12 years and younger are free with a paying adult.
As we mentioned, Super Thursday (3/9) boasts a wide variety of one-day-only specials on travel destinations, fishing tackle, and outdoor products. You can purchase tickets online for $5, valid between 5 pm and 8 pm.
Parking Information
Are you planning on driving to the show? Convenient parking options are located around the Minneapolis Convention Center, with prices ranging from $5 to $15. Additionally, the skyway system makes it ultra-easy to get from your car to the show.
Below are some convenient parking options:
• Parking Around Minneapolis Convention Center
• Map of Minneapolis Convention Center Skyways and Parking
• Downtown Minneapolis Skyway App
For more information about the Discover Boating Northwest Sportshow, follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Also, don’t forget to tag our accounts and use these hashtags for a chance to be featured on our channels: #NWSpotshow #NorthwestSportshow #DiscoverBoating.
From discoverboating.com