Duluth Sport Show Opens at DECC Feb. 19 with Hunting, Fishing, RVs

The Duluth Sport Show opened at 3 p.m. Thursday at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center, 350 Harbor Drive, bringing a four-day regional exhibition of boats, RVs, hunting, fishing and camping gear that runs through Sunday, Feb. 22. Organizers combined the Duluth Boat, Sports, Travel & RV Show with the Northland Outdoors Duluth Deer Classic for a single admission event across four halls.

Exhibitors filled “hundreds” of displays across the DECC halls, showing docks, lifts, trailers, fifth wheels, travel trailers, ATVs and UTVs alongside resort and travel vendors. Visitors can also find a trout fishing tank on site, multiple demonstrations and presentations on travel and fishing tips, a balloon guy stunt show and family activities such as free face painting. Dealers and manufacturer representatives are on hand with the newest models and show-only discounts.

Chris Navratil, show manager, framed the event as a practical marketplace for buyers and browsers: “It’s become a tradition. This is where you’re going to see the best deals - show special. See the new products, be able to talk to the manufacturers, and, you know, talk one on one with the dealers, and see what is going to really fit your needs. So, this really is a one stop shop to do all of those things.”

Daily hours follow the schedule listed by show organizers: Thursday, Feb. 19, 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.; Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.; Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.; and Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Official online ticket pricing is $10 for ages 18 and up, $6 for ages 6 to 17, and free for children 5 and under; at-the-door pricing is $12 for adults, $7 for ages 6 to 17, and free for children 5 and under. Paid patrons may sign up at the return ticket booth before leaving on their first visit to re-enter a second day for free, but patrons must bring a photo ID to complete the return-for-free registration.

Local reporters noted that a winter storm did not stop the kickoff at the DECC, and media outlets set up on site with Fox21 in the Lake Superior Ballroom and a Northern News Now booth inviting attendees to stop by. For attendees with accessibility questions about broadcast public files, WDIO lists Vicki Kaping as the FCC Public File contact at vkaping@wdio.com or (218) 727-6864.

Organizers emphasize that one admission gains access to both combined shows, with dealers offering specials through the weekend; the event continues at the DECC through Sunday, Feb. 22, during the hours listed by the show.