These successes were all done in conjunction with a robust and eager group of public and private sector community partners who shared the same vision for sports marketing excellence.

But in the very competitive landscape of sports event solicitation, we know that we cannot rest on our laurels. So, we stepped up our regional game by forming Minnesota Sports and Events (MNSE), a 501(c)(6) non-profit organization. MNSE was established by leaders from the hospitality, sports and business communities and will work with venue and community partners to plan and execute major sports events that utilize assets and venues across our region.

The two main reasons for creating MNSE are the need to speak with a unified voice when pursuing mega events and to allow other partner entities to formally participate in and lead the efforts to procure these events.

Last week’s announcement of the formation of MNSE coincided with our region being awarded three more future NCAA championship events:

• 2023 NCAA Men’s Swimming & Diving Championships, Jean K. Freeman Aquatic Center
• 2024 NCAA Men’s Ice Hockey Frozen Four, Xcel Energy Center
• 2025 NCAA Women’s Ice Hockey Frozen Four, Ridder Arena

The executive board of MNSE is comprised of leaders from the destination marketing organizations (DMO) of Minneapolis, Bloomington and Saint Paul, professional sports franchises, the University of Minnesota and key corporate partners.

The co-chair of MNSE’s executive board is Dave St. Peter, President and Chief Executive Officer, Minnesota Twins. Dave noted, “Over the last decade, Minnesota has established a track record as a renowned destination and host for iconic events, and each of those events chose our state because of the hard work of the different groups that came together to seek each bid. Minnesota Sports and Events will streamline the entire bid process for Minnesota, leveraging experience, data and connections so that we can more efficiently and effectively secure economic opportunities for our hospitality and tourism sectors.”

Sports Minneapolis will continue to aggressively pursue Minneapolis-specific events with our existing staff. Those staff members will also contribute, as needed, to the work of MNSE, along with sports marketing staff from the other regional DMOs.

The competition for premier events like NCAA championships is fierce. This round of NCAA awarded events attracted more than 3,000 bids for 450 potential event selections.

This level of competition requires significant resources. MNSE will help ensure we can meet the challenge of attracting events that will benefit our region’s economy. To Indianapolis, Kansas City, San Antonio, and all the other very worth competitors we say ... Game On!