MINNEAPOLIS (January 28, 2012) The course has been set for the 2012 US Bank Skyway Open, February 24 -25, 2012. For the sixth year, this popular Downtown Network tradition will be held in the Minneapolis skyway system and, once again, will benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities. This year, the course has been expanded to include an additional hole and a brand new section of skyway linking the Accenture Tower and Ameriprise Building.

As downtown Minneapolis continually evolves, we want to make sure the Skyway Open reflects the changes and growth in the city, said Downtown Network Co-Chairperson Lorene Fott. This years course has been expanded to celebrate the new skyway in the Accenture Tower. The creativity and ingenuity of the holes are representative of the talent we have in the city.

For the 6th annual Skyway Open local architects, designers and construction companies have been challenged to create 19 distinctive, thematic golf holes by interpreting Meet Minneapolis tagline Minneapolis City by Nature. Last years Retro Minneapolis theme inspired a wide variety of entries, including a deflating Metrodome and a tribute to Minnesota icons like Mary Tyler Moore and Kirby Puckett.

Online registration for golfers of all ages and skill levels is available through Feb. 23 at SkywayOpen.org.

Golf rounds will begin at noon on Friday, Feb. 24 and run through 9 p.m. Fridays festivities will culminate with a 19th Hole Celebration at 7 pm at the Accenture Tower Park Lobby. The 19th Hole Celebration, featuring entertainment, complimentary food/drink, and more, is presented by Accenture Tower. Additionally, a panel of industry experts will award prizes to architects for the top three hole designs, based on creativity and design.

Saturday is Family Day with golf starting at 10 a.m. and closing at 6 p.m. Family Day activities include games, cookie decorating, free popcorn, temporary tattoos and more.

With proceeds going to the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities, the cost for a round of golf on Friday is $140 for a foursome, and includes access to the course and admission (a $30 value) to the 19th Hole Celebration that evening. Friday golfers must register as foursomes. Saturdays reduced rates for families are $5 per child, $20 per adult, or $35 per foursome with a minimum of two kids.

For more information or to register visit SkywayOpen.org.

About The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities

Event proceeds benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities (BoysAndGirls.org). The Club serves youth ages 6-18 years old, over 13,500 youth each year, with a daily attendance of over 1,000. The Boys & Girls Clubs are an integral part of the neighborhoods it serves. Its relationships with businesses, schools and families are built to better serve youth. Club sites are placed in targeted neighborhoods where the need is greatest. The organizations mission is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.

About The Downtown Network

The Downtown Network (DowntownNetwork.org) is a committee of the Downtown Council whose members live, work or help to build downtown through community connection. They provide a variety of programming to its members including: Professional Development luncheon series, networking events, Lawn Bowling, Timberwolves/Twins game nights, Happy Hours, volunteer opportunities with Alive After 5, Central Community Housing Trust and the Aquatennial Block Party. The Downtown Network has become especially popular with top local employers that are seeking ways to quickly integrate their new recruits to the Minneapolis area.

About U.S. Bancorp

Minneapolis-based U.S. Bancorp, with $291 billion in assets, is the parent company of U.S. Bank National Association, the fifth largest commercial bank in the United States. The company operates 3,013 banking offices in 24 states and 5,323 ATMs and provides a comprehensive line of banking, brokerage, insurance, investment, mortgage, trust and payment services products to consumers, businesses and institutions. Visit U.S. Bancorp on the web at usbank.com.

Contact: Gary Young, 612-247-8123

garydyoung@comcast.net

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