2019 NCAA Final Four Minneapolis Local Organizing Committee Officially Launches

Via a January 10 Press Release from Meet Minneapolis:

The 2019 NCAA Final Four Minneapolis Local Organizing Committee (MLOC) officially “tipped off” the 28-month planning period in their specially designed office space at U.S. Bank Plaza today. MLOC President and CEO Kate Mortenson was joined by NCAA Managing Director of Men’s Basketball Championships JoAn Scott, Minneapolis Mayor Betsy Hodges and Minnesota Lynx star Lindsay Whalen to share more information about the committee’s plans and community impact focus for the April 2019 event.

Preparation for one of the largest events in sports will take place in a 2,200 square-foot space in the specially designed space built by donations from more than 30 local vendors and businesses featuring NCAA and Final Four branding, actual court flooring, a full-sized backboard, HD screens, commissioned art elements, offices, conference and breakout areas. Rent has been waived as a donation to support the local organizing committee. Additionally, leading local companies, plus some national corporate champions and partners of the NCAA contributed their products and services to the office buildout, preserving resources for the committee’s impact initiatives.

“Our office buildout project really demonstrates our excitement to have one of the biggest events in sports back in Minneapolis,” said Mortenson. “We want our NCAA partners to know that ‘winning happens here.’ Our community will put on a great event, be highly inclusive and also have a positive impact on our youth, who are uniquely inspired by the student-athletes who make it to the Final Four.”                                                

The MLOC sees an opportunity via the Final Four to have a lasting, positive impact in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul region. The vision for this impact includes a yearlong outreach to students in the region and leveraging the unique excitement of a Final Four to inspire students around the health, wellness and achievement objectives that are the priorities of school partners. In addition to providing programming that supports educational goals, the MLOC will celebrate student achievements with special access to Final Four-related events during the championship weekend, making Final Four events inclusive and accessible for youth. Additionally, the MLOC’s operations will reflect the increasing diversity that is a strength in our region.

“I’m truly pleased that the Final Four in Minneapolis will leave a lasting legacy focused on youth and inclusion,” said Mayor Hodges. “Showcasing our growing diversity and the talented professionals of color in our region are big opportunities this event affords us.”

Many events during Final Four, which will be held April 5 – 8, 2019, are family friendly and free or low cost.  

“On behalf of the NCAA, Dan Gavitt and the Division I men’s basketball committee, we are thrilled to stage our 81st championship in this beautiful city in 2019,” said Scott. “Minneapolis is a three-time Final Four host, but obviously this will be the first time we will crown our national champion in U.S. Bank Stadium. We are excited to bring the NCAA’s premier event to this great facility located in a vibrant downtown that our teams and fans will love. We can’t thank enough our hosts from the Minneapolis Local Organizing Committee, as well as our host institution, the University of Minnesota, for the work they’ve already done, and everything they will do over the course of the next two years.

“The Final Four is so much bigger than three basketball games. There are a number of activities that will take place leading up to and during the Final Four, and the NCAA is committed to leaving a legacy of community engagement in each host city that extends far beyond championship weekend. For that reason, the planning is underway to make this the best event it can be.”

2019 NCAA Final Four Event Overview

In 2014, Minneapolis was named by the NCAA to host the 2019 Men’s Final Four. Millions of fans from around the globe will track this signature celebration of collegiate athletic competition by following “the road to Minneapolis™.” Events that comprise the Final Four include:

· Semifinal and Championship games played in U.S. Bank Stadium

· A three-day Music Festival with national acts that is free and open to the public

· A family-friendly Fan Fest, which celebrates all things college basketball 

· A special lunch celebration welcoming player families

· Myriad other events and activities during the year leading up to the event to engage youth, promote student athletic competition and build excitement throughout the host region

About the Minneapolis Local Organizing Committee

The Minneapolis Local Organizing Committee (MLOC) was formed to plan and deliver the Men’s Final Four in Minneapolis as a local partner to the NCAA. The committee includes the University of Minnesota as the host institution, Sports Minneapolis and Meet Minneapolis as liaisons to the city and hospitality community and the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority, representing the game venue, U.S. Bank Stadium.