Dear Downtown Minneapolis Stakeholders:
Did you know that April 2019 is going to be a unique and thrilling time in downtown
Minneapolis? Why? Because for the first time in 18 years, the most highly anticipated college championship event in the nation returns to Minneapolis.
By now you have surely heard that the pinnacle event of the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship, the Final Four, will be played at U.S. Bank Stadium, April 6 and 8, 2019. We are here to help you with what to expect in this opportunity as well as provide information on the preparation needed to successfully host this major event.
The Final Four experience is unlike any other. An estimated 94,000 passionate hoops fans and college students will pour into downtown Minneapolis for a four‐day, joy‐filled celebration of college athletics. Enthusiastic fans, decked out in team colors and spontaneously chanting, will bring a buzz to the streets, local establishments and hotels. People from our region will join them as well, to enjoy what our city has to offer.
Thousands of basketball coaches from all over the country will also take in the sights and sounds of Minneapolis, while meeting with peers and colleagues at their annual convention. And, as we would expect, several thousand friendly volunteers will ensure that all visitors experience a warm Minnesota welcome. The energy will be infectious.
The Final Four is much more than three basketball games. All weekend long, everyone is invited to attend free and low‐cost events and entertainment around the city, including downtown workers. The Final Four is as much for locals as it is for visitors. Beginning Friday April 5, interactive events for all ages will offer something for everyone to ‘come downtown and stay downtown’. These events include:
Friday, April 5: A free, open access day at U.S. Bank Stadium‐ Fun and free for the
entire family and people of all ages, fans can see the stadium as it looks for the
championship games and get down close to courtside action, taking a seat anywhere in
the house. The Final Four teams will have their last open practice before Saturday’s
national semifinal games, followed by a college all‐star game in the afternoon.
Friday, April 5‐Monday, April 8: A Fan Festival – Fans will enjoy interactive games,
special celebrity and athlete appearances, autograph signings and much more at the
Convention Center. There’s fun for all ages, and kids 12 and under get in free.
Sunday, April 7: A Basketball Parade‐ Thousands of children will participate in The
Dribble, showing their moves and parading with basketballs through the streets of
Minneapolis, along a route ending at Fan Fest, where they will receive free entry.
Friday, April 5‐Sunday April 7: A Music Series – Top, nationally known artists will
perform live music in downtown Minneapolis. More details to come soon.
To learn more about what’s in store, you are invited to attend the first of a series of briefings, in which developing event plans will be shared and dialogue can occur. Our goal is to keep downtown stakeholders informed and assist in your preparations for a fantastic Final Four. The first meeting will be held on Wednesday, October 31 from 2‐4 p.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church, (1200 Marquette Ave, in the Westminster Hall – enter from Nicollet). Members of the 2019 Minneapolis Final Four Local Organizing Committee will be on‐hand to provide a Final Four event overview and share what is upcoming in the planning process. Members of our organizations will also be there to provide you with resources to stay in touch and to get involved. This will include an update on the current skyway app and discussion of options to expand coverage to help visitors navigate easily throughout our city.
We are sure you share our enthusiasm for this wonderful opportunity to showcase Minneapolis and we hope to see you on the 31st!
Sincerely,
Steve Cramer
President & CEO
mpls downtown council
and Downtown Improvement District
Kevin Lewis
Executive Director
BOMA Greater Minneapolis
Melvin Tennant
President & CEO
Meet Minneapolis
Jonathan Weinhagen
President & CEO
MPLS Regional Chamber
Kate Mortenson
President & CEO
Minneapolis Final Four Local Organizing Committee
