Top 8 Reasons to Host Your Next Event in Minneapolis

In Minneapolis, we’ve never had that “one thing” that makes us a great sports city. Is it our compact, walkable downtown? Is it our 9,000 downtown hotel rooms within a mile of four state of the art venues? Is it our proven hosting history or our hundreds of uniquely Minneapolis restaurants, bars and breweries? We decided to stop trying to find the "one thing" and instead we’ve narrowed it down to the “Top 8 Reasons Why Minneapolis Should Be Your Next Sporting Event Destination.”

Reason #1: A Proven Host City
From the Super Bowl to the Final Four, Minneapolis has successfully hosted events of all sizes in our world class venues. Major events from the NCAA Women’s Final Four to the Special Olympics trust us to safely host their event in the near future.

Sports Minneapolis Has Recently Hosted:
2014 MLB All-Star Game
2016 Ryder Cup
2017 USA Volleyball Girls’ Junior National Championships
2018 Super Bowl LII
2017-2019 ESPN X Games
2018 WNBA All-Star Game
2018 NCAA Women’s Volleyball Championship
2019 NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four

Reasons #2: World Class Venues in the Middle of the Action
With three new or newly remodeled professional sport venues and the Minneapolis Convention Center within 1.3 miles in downtown Minneapolis, athletes and fans won’t need to look far for things to do.

New or newly renovated world-class professional sporting venues:
In 2017, Target Center (home to the Minnesota Lynx and Minnesota Timberwolves) underwent a $145M renovation
In 2016, U.S. Bank Stadium (home of the MN Vikings) opened
In 2010, Target Field (home of the MN Twins) opened

Reason #3: Delta Air Lines Hub, Compact Walkable City Means Easy Travel
MSP Airport is a Delta hub, located within a 3-hour flight from almost everywhere in the U.S. and the light rail connects attendees straight to our compact, walkable downtown. Our skyways – enclosed, second-level walkways connecting buildings in 80 blocks – keep people comfortable and dry, year-round.

Reasons #4: 30,000  Metro Wide Rooms – All Brands, All Budgets
Minneapolis has all the hotel brands to fit all budgets. Plus, with more than 9,000 rooms downtown, many conveniently connected via skyway to our world class venues - you’re always right in the middle of the action.  

Reasons #5: Great Bars, Breweries & Bites
Bring a healthy appetite to explore Minneapolis’ unique restaurants and watering holes. Craft brewery fanatics, dive bar dwellers, wine enthusiasts, and cocktail cravers alike will all find to sip on while in Minneapolis. Don’t leave without trying our famous Jucy Lucy cheese-filled burger. There are countless great options downtown so you’ll always be in the middle of the action.  

Reasons #6: Fun For The Whole Family
Spend the day exploring Nickelodeon Universe and countless other attractions at the Mall of America. Play mini golf at the Sculpture Garden or grab some take out and head to Minnehaha Falls. Cheer on one of six professional sports teams in our state-of-the-art venues.  This is family fun defined the Minneapolis way.

Reasons #7: Top Parks, 22 Lakes & The Mighty Mississippi
In the city with the #1 ranked park system in the nation, our Chain of Lakes, the mighty Mississippi River and more than 200 miles of biking and hiking trails just steps from the urban action give visitors endless options to enjoy our outdoor adventures safely.

Reasons #8: A City Leading the Path Forward
As the catalyst city for a nationwide movement, Sports Minneapolis stands in solidarity with our leaders from all backgrounds in recognizing the need to transform our city from the inside out – to ensure Minneapolis is both a safe and equitable place for everyone to live, work and visit.


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Convention & Visitors Bureau