MINNEAPOLIS (December 12, 2011) The 2012 Progressive Insurance Northwest Sportshow celebrates 80 years of life outdoors, cruising into the Minneapolis Convention Center March 28 April 1, 2012. This years show will commemorate its big birthday with new attractions, hundreds of exhibits including a vast selection of boats and RVs for sale, thousands of accessories for every outdoors enthusiast, and dozens of travel booths for attendees to plan their next adventure.

Show goers will have a chance to meet R.J. and Jay Paul Molinere of History Channel's Swamp People, the father and son team of alligator hunters and adrenaline junkies from the Louisiana bayou. Jack Dagger, the world-famous King of Fling, will also be appearing at the Progressive Insurance Northwest Sportshow. A World Champion knife thrower and comedian, Dagger has appeared in more than a thousand shows and on national television including the Tonight Show with Conan OBrien.

Other features include a new Wild Turkey Room, Discover Fly Fishing, Ducks Unlimited Room, Antique & Collectible Lures-80th Anniversary Display, Berkley Fish Tank and the return of the popular Trout Pond, a favorite for kids of all ages.

When: Wednesday Sunday, March 28 April 1, 2012

Wednesday, Thursday, March 28, 29 1:00-9:00p.m.

Friday, March 30 11:00a.m.-9:00p.m.

Saturday, March 31 10:00a.m. -9:00p.m.

Sunday, April 1 10:00a.m.-5:00p.m.

Where: Minneapolis Convention Center

1301 Second Avenue South, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Tickets: Tickets can be purchased in advance at www.northwestsportshow.com or at the show. Cost for tickets:

Adults (16 and older): $10.00

Youth (15 and under): FREE with paid adult

Active Military: FREE - present military ID at the box office onsite

Web: www.northwestsportshow.com; www.twitter.com/NWSportshow; find us on Facebook.

About the Progressive Insurance Northwest Sportshow: The 80th annual Progressive Insurance Northwest Sportshow is produced by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), the worlds largest producer of boat shows and the leading association representing the recreational boating industry. NMMA member companies produce more than 80 percent of the boats, engines, trailers, accessories and gear used by boaters and anglers throughout the U.S. and Canada. The association is dedicated to industry growth through programs in public policy advocacy, market statistics and research, product quality assurance and promotion of the boating lifestyle. For more information, visit www.nmma.org.

About Progressive

The Progressive Group of Insurance Companies is a leader in boat insurance and the largest seller of personal watercraft insurance in the U.S. It offers flexible, year-round coverage so boaters can go wherever they choose, whenever they choose and have peace of mind theyre protected. Specialty coverages which vary by state include On-Water Towing, Roadside Assistance, Personal Effects, Total Loss Replacement, and Pet Injury.

Progressive makes it easy to understand, buy, and use vehicle insurance. Progressive offers choices so consumers can reach us whenever, wherever, and however its most convenient for themonline at progressive.com, by phone at 1-800-PROGRESSIVE, or in-person with a local agent.

Media Contact: Bonnie Harris

612-801-0912 or harris@waxmarketing.com