KSTP: Following Final Four, Minneapolis not done hosting major sporting events
By Brett Hoffland
Final Four festivities wrapped up Monday night, but local organizers say there are plenty of events to look forward to coming to Minneapolis.
The Twin Cities have now played host to a number of national events since U.S. Bank Stadium was built, including the Final Four, Super Bowl 52 and the X Games.
"There's still plenty more for people to get excited about," said Kathy McCarthy, director of public relations and communications with Meet Minneapolis and Sports Minneapolis.
MccCarthy says the opportunity to host a Super Bowl and Final Four back to back is incredibly rare. But they're not done yet.
The list of events coming to town in the next three years includes the X Games, USA Taekwondo National Championship, NCAA Men's Wrestling Championship, USA Volleyball Open National Championships, Men's D1 Gymnastics Championships, Men's Basketball Regionals, Women's Final Four, and CONCACAF Gold Cup.
"We've shown that we can successfully host these events," McCarthy said.
Plus, McCarthy says they've been working with the NCAA about hosting the College Football Playoff.
"We have had their top people in town for the Final Four to take a look at U.S. Bank Stadium," McCarthy said.
The Armory is playing a major role in the music scene of these events. The venue just hosted Katy Perry, Jonas Brothers and The Chainsmokers for the Final Four.
"It was unbelievable," said Andy Ward, vice president of entertainment at the Armory.
The Armory was newly renovated before the Super Bowl. But Ward says they've been busy since.
"From rock, country, dance music, sports, corporate events, it's been hugely successful," Ward said.
Meet Minneapolis says they hope to be considered to host another Super Bowl or Final Four within the next 10 years.
"We are being looked to as one of those now that should be in the mix and we want to keep that going for years to come," McCarthy said.
