USA Cup began 35 years ago and in 2019 brought thousands of teams of young people from 20 states and 20 countries to Blaine.
“With COVID and not knowing where we’d be in July in terms of large gatherings–right now 10 or less would definitely not work with a tournament like Target USA Cup,” said NSC Marketing and Communication Coordinator Sara Soli. “Last year we had 25,000 people on campus every day of the tournament, so we just didn’t see a path forward where we’d be able to realize an event like that this year.”
With City of Blaine leaders estimating the total economic impact at close to $30 million annually, it was easily Anoka County’s largest and most lucrative single event.
City of Blaine Communications Manager Ben Hayle said in a statement Wednesday evening: “The National Sports Center and Target USA Cup are important parts of the Blaine community. The decision to cancel Target USA Cup will have an impact on both businesses and Blaine residents. The NSC is a state facility, and operated by a non-profit foundation; the decisions they have had to make are not easy. We look forward to the day when Blaine and the National Sports Center can safely host athletes from around the world again.”
The National Sports Center hosts indoor and outdoor sports tournaments year-round, and, currently the only aspect of its sprawling campus that is open to the public is Victory Links Golf Course.
