The NSC draws over 3.8 million visitors annually, making it the most-visited sports facility in Minnesota. Thanks to the NSC, Blaine is the center of the youth sports universe. But for that to continue, the NSC needs to evolve.
“Clearly we are still the largest amateur sports facility in the world,” said Todd Johnson of the NSC. “We run the third largest tournament. We are in the Guinness book of records for our fields. Our goal is to continue with that moniker.”
Yes, things are going well at the sprawling multi-sport complex that has a footprint of 600 acres. The NSC has been the envy of other cities for decades.
If imitation is the best form of flattery it’s happened a lot,” Jophnson said. “Disney/ESPN came up here for three USA Cups 20 some years ago and observed before they built their big facility in Orlando. There was just a $360 million facility built in Mesa, AZ.”
But, the NSC is also 32 years old. Sports venues age in dog years and the NSC needs upgrades. The facility has 48 grass fields and 4 lighted field turf surfaces. The NSC is currently building three more artificial turf fields and wants to eventually have 20. The cost of each field is $1.5 million.
“We have a $16 million dollar business and our margin is $140,000,” Johnson said. “It’s pretty skinny and a little scary at times.”
Lost opportunity
The bar has been raised for youth sports facilities and the NSC needs to keep up with the competition.
“We have to make it work,” Johnson said. “We have to figure out a way to have this mix of running tournaments, running events and rentals.”
In August, the MLS All-Star Game was played in St. Paul, but the NSC missed out on an All-Star related tournament because the venue did not have enough field turf surfaces.
“Think about that event – 350 teams, 10 days,” Johnson said.” Average spending for one team is about $20,000. That’s a $14 million economic impact for one event. They were eager to award a five-year contract.”
Despite missing out on the MLS tournament, the NSC still has the USA Cup – a signature event which brings in teams from across the globe. The Cup would clearly benefit from more fields.
Puck power
Hockey is another staple at the NSC. The facility has eight ice sheets, second most in North America, but a rink shrink is in the cards as the facility wants to reduce ice size from Olympic to pro dimensions.
“Now the trend is NHL-size, Johnson said. “That’s what the athletes would rather play on regardless of the level.”
The NSC also wants to replace R22 refrigerant, put in new dasher boards, improve locker rooms and install automatic circular entrance doors to the facility. Tab for this is $12 million.
“We’re not here to make money, we’re here to create opportunities and also create economic impact,” Johnson said. “The NSC’s goal is to become a net zero facility by conserving water and using solar power to cut down on energy costs.”
“I also want to be the greenest amateur sports facility of its size.”
Johnson also likes the idea of an Entertainment District near the NSC and says Blaine has proposed a pond, skating loop and a plaza area in initial plans for the project.
