#MusicalVibes
Discover the Heart of the Saskatoon EX: the SaskTel Grandstand
Rockin' with the fair since 1929!
Meet Me at the Grandstand
The SaskTel Grandstand is one of the busiest and most iconic spots at the Saskatoon EX, and for very good reason! From the opening day until the last night, music lovers gather at the grandstand for some of the summer’s best open-air concerts. This beloved venue has hosted countless amazing entertainers, creating unforgettable memories for generations of fairgoers.
On Sunday, the grandstand transforms into the site of the crowd-pleasing Crash N’ Bash Demolition Derby, adding to its diverse and exciting lineup of events.
The best part? All shows at the SaskTel Grandstand are FREE with EX admission! It’s the perfect place to experience the vibrant energy and entertainment that the Saskatoon EX is known for.
Join us at the SaskTel Grandstand and be part of the tradition that has brought joy and excitement to the Saskatoon EX for decades. Whether you’re here for the music, the demolition derby, or simply to soak in the atmosphere, the grandstand is the place to be!
SaskTel Grandstand Line-up
The concert schedule for this year has not been announced yet. Check back soon to see who’s coming to the fair!
SaskTel Grandstand Schedule
6:45 pm First-In and FanZone
7:00 pm Gates Open
8:30 pm Shows Begin
Premium Ticket Options
All concerts and shows offer rush seating. For those looking for an enhanced experience, we have three Premium Ticket options are available. Click on the links below for more details.
Elevate your concert experience in the FanZone! For just $29, enjoy standing room only access that brings you closer to the stage and the performers you love. Connect with other passionate fans, enjoy exclusive views, and make the most of every moment. The FanZone is where the fun begins!
Want a great seat but don't want to wait in line? Use your $29 First-In Rush ticket to access a special lane will be given access to the grandstand before other guests to choose their seat. These are not reserved seats and if left, are forfeit. General Admission must be purchased separately.
Treat your staff, clients, or best friends to an exclusive concert experience in our newly-upgraded SaskTel Grandstand box suites, located at the front of the grandstand! Enjoy the best views in our box suites. Seating can be purchased for a single show, multiple shows, or every show!
Elevate your concert experience in the FanZone! For just $29, enjoy standing room only access that brings you closer to the stage and the performers you love. Connect with other passionate fans, enjoy exclusive views, and make the most of every moment. The FanZone is where the fun begins!
Want a great seat but don't want to wait in line? Use your $29 First-In Rush ticket to access a special lane will be given access to the grandstand before other guests to choose their seat. These are not reserved seats and if left, are forfeit. General Admission must be purchased separately.
Treat your staff, clients, or best friends to an exclusive concert experience in our newly-upgraded SaskTel Grandstand box suites, located at the front of the grandstand! Enjoy the best views in our box suites. Seating can be purchased for a single show, multiple shows, or every show!
Lawnchairs are not permitted in the SaskTel Grandstand. However, accessible seating is available for those with mobility aids, along with one companion. Please speak to a staff member at the gate for assistance and directions.
A Legacy of Entertainment: The History of the Grandstand
[PH-91-34] courtesy of Saskatoon Public Library. Taken June 28, 1928
Built in 1928, this historic venue has been at the center of our fairgrounds for almost 100 years, making it a cornerstone of in our history. As the most iconic building at the fair, the grandstand is a popular meeting spot where friends and families come together. Its central location and rich history make it a landmark that everyone knows and loves.
In the spring of 1928, a devastating fire swept through the Saskatoon Exhibition grounds, destroying the old grandstand and surrounding buildings in under an hour. The flames covered four acres of ground and cast a sullen red glow into the sky that could be seen 30 miles away. Though the fire’s origins were not known, it was suspected that a discarded match or cigarette was the likely cause. In addition to the fire department, men and boys hastily tumbled from their beds around 2:30 am to help fight the blaze, but despite everyone’s best efforts, the total loss was estimated at over $75,000.
The following morning, the exhibition board met and decided to immediately begin construction of a new fire-proof grandstand. This event marked a turning point in the history of the fairgrounds. The board seized the opportunity to not only replace the lost structure but to reimagine the entire layout of the grounds.
The new concrete grandstand, completed in time for the 1928 fair, was a marvel of its time. Built to be non-flammable and durable, it faced east instead of south, a strategic decision that changed the orientation of the track to run north-south. This thoughtful design ensured that patrons could enjoy events without the sun glaring in their eyes, significantly enhancing their experience.
Photographer Len Hillyard captured a general view of the wreckage.
Published in the Saskatoon Daily Star, May 7, 1928.
When visitors arrived at the exhibition that year, they were greeted by a transformed fairground. While familiar landmarks like the Herman gate remained, the new layout presented a fresh and exciting spectacle. The grandstand quickly became a central hub for entertainment, hosting concerts and races, drawing crowds from all over. By all accounts, the new grandstand was a hit with fairgoers. Paid admittances to the grandstand entertainment in 1928 was 60% greater than the previous year.
Today, the grandstand stands as a testament to the resilience and vision of the exhibition board. Its construction not only addressed the immediate need for a new structure but also set the stage for decades of memorable events. As we celebrate the fair’s 140-year history, the grandstand remains a beloved landmark, embodying the spirit and tradition of the Saskatoon EX.
Great music from Dixie HiWay plus lots of thrills and metal-bending action at our live-music DIRT PARTY at the grandstand!
- Vehicle Extrication Demonstration at 7:30 pm
- Presented by Sasktoon Fire & Protective Services