The unofficial kickoff to Minnesota’s hard-water season is here! The 2026 North Metro Ice Show hits the Adrenaline Sports Center in Ramsey, MN on October 24 and 25.
To get the inside story on this year’s show, Jared Petrie sat down with show organizers Jason Jacob and Fred Shepherd, along with Kyle Bjorkman and Jim Stevenson from CORE Ice—a premier outdoor brand manufactured under CORE Innovation.
Here is what you can expect from the 2026 event, why CORE Ice stepped up as title sponsor, and how their skid house technology is shifting hard-water angling.

At a Glance: Event Details

  • Event: 2026 North Metro Ice Show (Presented by CORE Ice)
  • Dates: Saturday, October 24 (9:00 AM – 5:00 PM) | Sunday, October 25 (10:00 AM – 2:00 PM)
  • Location: Adrenaline Sports Center, 8310 147th Ln NW, Ramsey, MN 55303
  • Highlights: 80+ vendors, custom gear, food trucks, free parking, and the official Ice Fishing Village.
  • Official Website: northmetroiceshow.com

Interview Highlights: Jared Petrie with North Metro Ice Show & CORE Ice

What makes the North Metro Ice Show the go-to event for hard-water anglers?

“We designed the North Metro Ice Show to be the absolute first major event of the season where anglers can walk in, feel the buzz, touch the gear, and talk directly with the engineers and pros who build it,” said Jason Jacob, co-organizer of the show. “Whether you’re looking for underwater sonar, custom ice rods, cold-weather apparel, or high-end skid houses, it’s all under one roof in Ramsey.”

Co-organizer Fred Shepherd added that community focus is at the heart of the show:

“It’s an easy-going, high-energy weekend for hard-water enthusiasts and families alike. Between our vendor layout, raffle giveaways, food trucks, and the Coors Light Beverage Garden inside the Ice Fishing Village, it gives anglers a chance to gear up without the stress.”

What does it mean for CORE Ice to step in as Title Sponsor?

Jim Stevenson from the CORE Ice team shared why aligning with the show was a natural fit:

“As a brand built by anglers for anglers, title sponsoring the North Metro Ice Show allows us to connect directly with the upper Midwest ice community at the precise moment everyone is prepping for first ice. CORE Ice and the entire CORE Innovation team are proud to champion an event that brings so much passion together.”

Kyle Bjorkman echoed that sentiment, emphasizing how outdoor technology is advancing:

“Hard-water fishing has evolved rapidly. Anglers want mobility, durability, and extreme thermal efficiency without hauling dead weight. Sponsoring this show gives us the stage to show anglers how modern composite construction completely transforms the ice experience.”

Key Stats & What’s New for the 2026-2027 Season

  • 80+ Vendors: Featuring retail, guide services, custom gear, and tackle outfitters.
  • 100% Composite Panels: CORE Ice features INTELLI-CORE Structural Composite Panel Construction—making skid houses lighter, 100% waterproof, rot-proof, and far better insulated than traditional wood or aluminum builds.
  • The Ice Fishing Village (West Field): A dedicated area packed with skid houses, wheelhouses, and exclusive show-only discount pricing.

What Anglers Can Look Forward To

  1. Hands-On Equipment Testing: Step inside fully-outfitted CORE Ice skid houses and hybrid models to see spatial layouts, mid-rail accessory systems, and light-weight designs built for early-to-late ice safety.
  2. Exclusive Event Specials: Many of the 80+ vendors are running show-only promotions, equipment add-ons, and discounted early-season pricing.
  3. Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Free parking on-site, giveaways, apparel booths, and local food vendors make it an accessible weekend outing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When and where is the North Metro Ice Show?

The show takes place October 24–25, 2026, at the Adrenaline Sports Center located at 8310 147th Lane NW, Ramsey, MN 55303.

What is a CORE Ice skid house?

CORE Ice skid houses are ultra-lightweight, durable hard-water shelters engineered by CORE Innovation. Built using advanced composite panels (INTELLI-CORE), they offer superior insulation without the heavy weight of traditional wheelhouses, allowing easy towing across early ice.

How do I become a vendor or partner for the event?

You can reach out directly to show organizers Fred Shepherd and Jason Jacob via email at fred@northmetroiceshow.com or jason@northmetroiceshow.com.

Organizer & Brand Contact Info