“It was really difficult for us because the event was so large and provided such a big economic impact to the state.” said Sara Soli, National Sports Center Communications Officer. Last year more than 1150 teams from 22 states and 20 countries attended. They spent about $28 million, creating an economic impact to the community of an estimated $36 million.
In a time when fewer people are traveling and using hotels, the announcement dealt another blow to the local hospitality industry.
“It was almost a punch in the stomach, it really felt like it,” said Forogh Amini, General Manager of the Best Western Plus in Blaine. His hotel is just two blocks from the sports complex. He says Minnesota’s short summer is an important time for the industry.
“In those couple of months, we have a very short timeline to make revenue to support us through the end of the year,” Amini said. “USA CUP is a big revenue generator for us.”
“It’s like a Black Friday in July for a lot of businesses,” said Lori Higgins of the Metro North Chamber of Commerce. “So it’s really going to hurt their third quarter and this of course is coming after a second quarter of being closed or partially closed.”
Higgins says businesses are trying to re-work their business models to roll with the pandemic. But the loss of the USA Cup will be felt widely.
“By bringing in about 25,000 people a day it certainly is going to hurt a variety of industries,” she said. “You’ve got the hotels, the restaurants, the gas stations and then things like entertainment venues, right? All these families need something to do when they’re not playing so there’s a multitude of industries that are going to be negatively affected by the loss of the USA Cup.”
Forogh Amini says a summer without a USA Cup boost will hurt, but they will recover, and he understands the reasons for the cancellation.
“If you feel that is not safe to play and the events can’t happen, then we as a hospitality need to support those decisions and say hey, we’ll be ready when you do come back,” Amini said.
The National Sports Center is promising a bigger and better event in 2021, and Amini is looking forward to renewing friendships with soccer players he’s come to know.
“I remember playing with the Brazilian kids every year. They remember me and every year they would come back,” Amini said.
