The Next Big Thing
![](https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/US-Bank-Stadium2.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=2e08e16bea0ec0fb9319355dbfc3e46e 320w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/US-Bank-Stadium2.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=ed3205e35c01d0fa10c8378167913588 540w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/US-Bank-Stadium2.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=9d0de0827194086688dd9db5dd8c92d8 768w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/US-Bank-Stadium2.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=1d482acf71abede5fc548c90f1b7c0cf 1024w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/US-Bank-Stadium2.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=48e6e063dfb7f0e944be243314789cf0 1200w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/US-Bank-Stadium2.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=ee16f62cca2cc041d2ed45515d1500b7 1348w)
But even though we are basking in the glow of success, some of us are already asking “What's next?” in terms of major signature events? Since the lead time needed to identify, pursue and confirm these events can be 3-5 years or more, we always have to ask and answer that question.
Our community has the experience of securing and hosting major events over the last few years. We also have the facilities and infrastructure that make the Minneapolis-area one of the few regions equipped to do so. It make sense to continue to be good stewards of these investments.
A recurring question, however, as we ponder which of these major events to pursue, is how to fund the bid and execution process for those events that require such support. Assuming that the community concludes that events like a Super Bowl or Final Four are valuable to host, it is not unreasonable to expect that there might be an upfront investment.
The Star Tribune published an editorial, on Super Bowl Sunday, addressing the issue of sustainable funding for major events. The piece helps to illuminate some next steps in ensuring that Minneapolis is the “Destination of Choice.”
Editorial: As the Twin Cities gain host-city momentum, focus shifts toward making the region a regular site for America’s biggest events.
http://www.startribune.com/opinion/editorials/472422353.html