Minneapolis (March 29, 2019) – In just days, downtown Minneapolis will be the center of the college basketball universe and the city is ready to shine. Visitors and residents will, once again, see downtown Minneapolis transformed into a playground of opportunity for people of every age – all within easy walking distance and accessible by public transportation. You won’t want to miss the chance to see rare sights in our city, from live network sports broadcasts to a giant Ferris Wheel overlooking Nicollet.

No ticket? No problem. Many events are low-cost or no-cost. Here are our top 5 fun things to do in Minneapolis over the championship weekend:

• All Access “Pass” on Friday – This may be your only opportunity to get inside U.S. Bank Stadium at no cost. Watch all four teams practice, stay for the College All-Star Game, and check out those “blackout curtains” everyone keeps talking about.

• Ferris Wheel, Fans and Stargazing on Nicollet – Take a free spin on the Ferris Wheel on Nicollet at 10th Street or take in a pep rally and music at the main stage on 11th Street. CBS Sports will broadcast from the IDS Crystal Court, and ESPN will host their broadcasts outside at Xcel Energy Plaza between 4th and 5th on Nicollet, right across the street from the Meet Minneapolis Visitor Center.

• You’re the MVP at Fan Fest – Get into the action by enjoying interactive sports games, autograph sessions with iconic athletes and coaches, cheer clinics, a rock wall, a home run derby and more. Taking place at the Minneapolis Convention Center, kids 12 and under are free and tickets cost just $4-10 at the door.

• Slam Dunks and Cute Kids – See elite men’s and women’s collegiate athletes show off their best moves at the College Slam Dunk & 3-Point Championships. Taking place April 4 at Target Center, tickets start at $15. Sunday afternoon it’s the kids’ turn to show their skills as 3,000 youth dribble their way through downtown Minneapolis to the Minneapolis Convention Center and Fan Fest.

• Sunday Fun Day – Teams get the day off, but there’s plenty of action all over town, including fan events on Nicollet and at the Minneapolis Convention Center, and Goldy’s Run along the iconic Mississippi River and benefiting the University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital. Surly is hosting its 2nd annual Slay Day to coincide with their newly released HeatSlayer brew. This event includes outdoor games, grilling stations a DJ and more. Or head to the Mill City Museum, just a short walk from the stadium, to catch the grand finale to “Starch Madness” – a live bake-off of the top two cookie contestants selected by fans over the month of March.

The Meet Minneapolis website includes a special section for basketball fans and has everything you need to plan your Minneapolis weekend. Find information on events, restaurants, and hotels, plus family fun, top Instagram spots, and best ways to explore our great neighborhoods. The championship buzzer won’t end the madness; check Minneapolis.org all year long for a never-ending list of great things to do in throughout the city.

In addition, Metro Transit offers tools to make sure fans, visitors and residents get to where they need to go throughout the week. The Meet Minneapolis Visitor Center at 5th Street and Nicollet has all-day, unlimited ride passes for trains and buses for sale. Plus, find great Minneapolis gifts while you’re there from Minnesota Makers, as well as basketball merchandise to commemorate your visit to Minneapolis.

###

ABOUT MEET MINNEAPOLIS

Meet Minneapolis is a private, not-for-profit, member-based association. It actively promotes and sells the Minneapolis area as a destination for conventions and meetings, works to maximize the visitor experience and markets the city as a desirable tourist destination to maximize the economic benefit to the greater Minneapolis area.

Meet Minneapolis is accredited by the Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP) of Destinations International.

CONNECT WITH US

Online: www.minneapolis.org and for deals and exclusive experiences: http://go.minneapolis.org
On Facebook: www.facebook.com/meetminneapolis
On Twitter: www.twitter.com/meetminneapoli...
On Instagram: www.instagram.com/meetminneapolis
Watch: Here, “Minne” is an Understatement

MEDIA CONTACT

Kim Insley, Meet Minneapolis Public Relations Manager, 612-767-8118 KimI@minneapolis.org
Kathy McCarthy, Meet Minneapolis Public Relations Director, 612-767-8048, KathyM@minneapolis.org
Or email MeetMinneapolisPR@Minneapolis.org