‘New Era. New Courts.’ Timberwolves

Team up with U.S. Bank to Revitalize

Outdoor Courts Across Minnesota

Fans can vote to help select a local court to refurbish in Rochester,

Moorhead and the Twin Cities

Minneapolis-St. Paul – The Minnesota Timberwolves today launched a program, ‘New Era. New Courts.’ presented by U.S. Bank, to revitalize a trio of outdoor courts across the state of Minnesota this summer. The new program is in its first year and will become an annual initiative between the two organizations.

Beginning today, fans can vote for a court in Rochester, Moorhead and the Twin Cities that they’d like to see the Timberwolves and U.S. Bank refurbish this summer. The Timberwolves will select one court from each of the three markets. The winning courts will be given significant upgrades to keep kids outside playing basketball this summer, and for years to come.

“Growing the game of basketball is central to who we are as an organization,” said Timberwolves & Lynx CEO Ethan Casson. “We know that these courts are where communities come together to learn the values of our game; competitiveness, sportsmanship, hard work and fun. Through this new platform, we will ensure communities have these courts for years to come.”

To help announce the program, hometown Wolves players Tyus Jones and Cole Aldrich shared their love of outdoor basketball and the local courts they grew up playing on here in Minnesota. The video can be viewed here.

“Getting to play on outdoor courts was a great part of my childhood growing up in Minnesota and helped me hone my skills during the summer,” said Timberwolves guard Tyus Jones. “Upgrading these courts will really make a difference in keeping kids outside playing basketball, whether it’s just having fun with their friends or working on chasing their dreams like I did.”

Nominated courts in Rochester include Kutzky Park, East Park and Friendship Park. In Moorhead, fans can choose between Northeast Park, Lamb Park and Woodlawn Park, and in the Twin Cities, courts include Mt. Airy Boys & Girls Club, St. Peter’s AME Church and West Minnehaha Recreation Center.

“We believe in the power of play to connect and enrich our communities,” said Phillip Trier, U.S. Bank Twin Cities Market President. “Providing safe basketball courts in Rochester, Moorhead and the Twin Cities will create opportunities for Minnesota kids to learn, grow and make lasting memories. We recently declared July as the U.S. Bank Community Possible Month of Play and there is no better way to reinforce that than by announcing this partnership with the Minnesota Timberwolves. We cannot wait to see which courts win.”

Fans can visit timberwolves.com/NewEraNewCourts to vote for a local court. Voting closes August 6.

The announcement is the latest in a series of announcements tied to the new era of Timberwolves basketball. With new leadership on the court and in the boardroom, the franchise is poised for more significant changes in the coming months towards being champions on the court, having world-class facilities and staff, and growing the game of basketball. Target Center’s renovation project, complete with new premium spaces, seating and concourse improvements, will hit the finish line in time for the beginning of the 2017-18 season. There are several exciting announcements slated for the very near future, including additional news on continued improvement in the areas of technology, enhanced community involvement, the new jersey design, and additional partners and upgrades to amplify business operations and improve the fan experience and fan engagement. The franchise will also enter its first season with the NBA G League’s Iowa Wolves for the 2017-18 season.

About U.S. Bank
Minneapolis-based U.S. Bancorp (NYSE: USB), with $450 billion in assets as of March 31, 2017, is the parent company of U.S. Bank National Association, the fifth-largest commercial bank in the United States. The company operates 3,091 banking offices in 25 states and 4,838 ATMs and provides a comprehensive line of banking, investment, mortgage, trust and payment services products to consumers, businesses and institutions. Visit U.S. Bancorp on the web at www.usbank.com .
http://go.wolveslynx.com/v0730C4Y0qGAKiOrH037000
Contact Information:
Kirsten Wenker, Minnesota Timberwolves, (612) 673-8419, Kirsten.Wenker@timberwolves.com