National Farm Machinery Show and Championship Tractor Pull Return to the Kentucky Exposition Center
The National Farm Machinery Show returns to the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, KY, Feb. 15-18 for the agricultural industry’s most comprehensive display of equipment, services and technology. Each year more than 250,000 guests attend the largest indoor farm show in the country to learn about equipment updates, explore new technology and prepare for a successful year.
“The National Farm Machinery Show is where the agriculture industry comes together for four days of networking, exploring new techniques and doing business. Farmers face the ever-growing challenge of feeding our world with less farmland, less labor, increased costs and a growing population. It’s important to be efficient and environmentally sound with every acre and having the right equipment and techniques are essential for profitability and meeting the expectations of today’s consumers. We’re excited to see the latest and greatest equipment and welcome back our farmers,” said David. S. Beck, President and CEO of Kentucky Venues.
Nearly Two Dozen Seminars This Year
Seminars offer the opportunity to update knowledge, learn about new technology and plan for the upcoming year. Nearly two dozen free seminars are scheduled Feb. 15-17 in the South Wing, with subjects ranging from market and weather strategies to driverless technology. Sponsors include Beck’s Hybrids, DTN/Progressive Farmer, Farm Journal Media and Farm Progress.
View the list of seminars at https://farmmachineryshow.org/seminars/
Gift & Craft Market Extends Hours
For those who are interested in shopping, head to the South Wing Mezzanine to the Gift & Craft Market. More than 65 booths selling various items including tractor-branded merchandise, fashion, toys, collectibles, snacks and more. The market will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Championship Tractor Pull presented by Syngenta
Held in conjunction with the National Farm Machinery Show, the Championship Tractor Pull presented by Syngenta is an action-packed showdown of the world’s most talented drivers. Roaring tractors and trucks will be heard throughout Freedom Hall as rival pullers race down the dirt track to earn a grand championship title. More than 70,000 fans will fill Freedom Hall Feb. 15-18 for the Championship Tractor Pull at the Kentucky Exposition Center. Sponsored by Syngenta, the event draws the nation’s top drivers as they compete for the title of grand champion and a portion of $300,000 in prizes.
Tractor Pull 101
Drivers compete in 10 different divisions. Competition begins when weighted sleds are attached to the machines. Competitors then “gun for a full pull” – pulling the full length of the track for a win. If two or more drivers in a division nail a full pull, more weight is added. The driver who pulls the farthest wins. This type of excitement keeps people on the edges of their seats because a fraction of an inch can make the difference between first and second place. Wearing earplugs is recommended during the pull because these machines are loud – some are powered by modified airplane engines.
More Than a Half-Century at Full Throttle
For the 55th year, the world’s best drivers and their pulling machines will storm into Louisville for the Championship Tractor Pull presented by Syngenta. In the first iteration of the event, 66 tractors competed in three classes. The first truck class was added in 1977 and helped the pull sell out for the first time. A lot has changed in 55 years, and now nearly 200 drivers compete across 10 divisions.
The Pit: Up Close and Personal
Want to see the pullers and their machines before they shift into gear? Visit “The Pit” in Broadbent Arena and take pictures with fan-favorite vehicles, meet drivers and collect autographs. Admission is free and open to the public Wednesday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Tractor Pull Tickets on Sale Now
Tickets for the Championship Tractor Pull presented by Syngenta are available at the Kentucky Exposition Center Ticket Office and online at www.ticketmaster.com. Event times and prices vary by day:
- Wednesday, Feb. 15 | 7 p.m. | $10, $30 and $40
- Thursday, Feb. 16 | 7 p.m. | $10, $30 and $40
- Friday, Feb. 17 | 7 p.m. | $15, $35 and $45
- Saturday, Feb. 18 | 12 p.m. | $10, $30 and $40
- Saturday, Feb. 18 | 7 p.m. | $25, $35 and $45
A detailed tractor pull schedule is available at www.champpull.org.
Admission to the National Farm Machinery Show is free and open to the public Feb. 15-18 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Parking at the Kentucky Exposition Center starts at $10.60 online or $12 per vehicle at the gate for standard vehicles. Parking options are available online at https://parking.kyexpo.org/national-farm-machinery-show. Bus parking is $25 at the gate. Registration is not required for the 2023 show. More information is available at farmmachineryshow.org.
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