What you need to know about MATS 2020

Have you always wanted to attend the Mid-America Trucking Show but never had the chance? Or have you attended in the past and need a refresher on what all the annual trucking show has to offer? Well, we have you covered.

Here is a rundown of all the key information you need to know to attend this year’s edition of MATS.

What does MATS have to offer?

For truckers, there’s a little bit of everything. The show gives truckers an opportunity to learn about the industry’s newest products, from big to small, and the chance to attend educational seminars on a wide variety of trucking topics. There also will be plenty of entertainment, including live music, celebrity appearances and the annual PKY Truck Beauty Championship.

The 2019 installment of MATS greeted 72,584 attendees and 1,020 exhibitors in a venue with more than

1 million square feet of exhibit space.

Each year of the show, Friday night features a free concert in Freedom Hall. Past MATS concert entertainers have included Aaron Tippin, Craig Morgan, George Thorogood, Jason Aldean, Gretchen Wilson, and the Marshall Tucker Band. Tickets for the concert will be distributed from the sponsoring company’s booth. No tickets are available in advance of MATS.

When and where?

MATS will be March 26-28 at the Kentucky Expo Center in Louisville. On Thursday, there will be a VIP session from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Doors open to the general public from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. On Friday, the doors will open to the general public from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. On Saturday, the show is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Kentucky Expo Center is at 937 Phillips Lane in Louisville.

How do I register?

To preregister for the show, go to TruckingShow.com/registration and fill out the form. Registration will remain free until Feb. 25. After that, it will cost $10 to attend. VIP badges can be purchased for $99.

If you register before Feb. 25, a badge will be mailed to your address. After Feb. 25, you will have to wait in line for your badge to be printed. If you preregister, be sure to print out your registration confirmation and bring it with you to the show to exchange for your badge.

Your badge is good for all three days of the show. Children under the age of 14 are not required to register and will not need a badge.

Where is OOIDA going to be at the show?

The Association will have two booths at the 2020 show. Just like last year, OOIDA will be in Booth 11128 in the North Wing and Booth 65229 in the West Wing. You can catch OOIDA’s tour truck in the PKY Truck Beauty Championship in Lot J behind the West Wing.

It will cost only $35 to join or renew your OOIDA membership at MATS.

What is the parking situation?

Tractor-trailer parking at the Kentucky Expo Center is $30 daily, and spots with hook-ups are available for $50 per day. Spots with hook-ups must be reserved by calling 502-367-5380. If you’re in your personal vehicle, it will cost you $10 to park each day.

Offsite overnight parking is available for free at Cardinal Stadium, 4800 S. Floyd St. Shuttle buses to and from the Kentucky Expo Center also are provided for anyone parking at the stadium.

Want to know more?

Go to TruckingShow.com for a list of frequently asked questions. The website will also update daily schedules and announce the concert performers as it gets closer to the days of the show. Plus, the March-April edition of Land Line Magazine will have even more information about MATS in 2020. LL