2017 Northern Lights Qualifier fills the Minneapolis Convention Center with volleyball action

More than 6,000 players bring their families and fans to Minneapolis over the next two weekends

Minneapolis (April 20, 2017) – The Minneapolis Convention Center is being transformed into 44 volleyball courts as the city prepares to welcome more than 6,000 volleyball players, along with their family members and fans, to town for the 2017 Northern Lights Qualifier.

The event runs over two weekends, April 21-23 and April 28-30. The event will bring 628 volleyball teams from across the country to Minneapolis, creating an estimated economic impact of $16 million on Minneapolis and its businesses. Players range in age from 12 to 18 years old.

“We’re so thrilled to welcome back thousands of players and their families to Minneapolis for the 2017 Northern Lights Qualifier,” said Melvin Tennant, executive director of Sports Minneapolis. “These events have a tremendous economic impact on our community and are a terrific opportunity to introduce Minneapolis to thousands of young people and their families. We’re proud of the long relationship we’ve had with the Northern Lights Qualifier and are ready to see some great volleyball in the next couple weeks.”

#AskMPLS your questions!

While visitors are in town, Meet Minneapolis encourages them to tweet to #AskMPLS to ask questions about the city. Meet Minneapolis team members can provide recommendations on what to do, where to eat, how to get around, and just about anything you’d like to know about the city. Visitors should also be sure to stop by Minneapolis Visitor Information on Nicollet, located in the center of the action at Nicollet and Fifth Street. It’s the perfect place to plan your time in Minneapolis, learn about transportation options, or find the perfect gift made by a Minnesota artist.

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ABOUT SPORTS MINNEAPOLIS

Sports Minneapolis, powered by Meet Minneapolis, works to recruit, enhance and produce sporting events in the Minneapolis area for the benefit of our community. We do this by partnering with event rights holders to assist them with venue selection, event services, volunteer identification, marketing and promotional support and on-site recognition opportunities in order to ensure a successful event. For more information, visit www.sportsminneapolis.org.

MEDIA CONTACT

Kristen Montag, Senior Communications and Public Relations Manager, 612.767.8038, kristenm@minneapolis.org