COVID-19 Campus Update, Dec. 30, 2020

NSC LOOKS TO REOPEN FOR PRACTICES AND GAMES IN 2021

Contact: Sara Soli 

[email protected]

BLAINE, Minn., (Dec. 30, 2020) — The National Sports Center (NSC) will reopen for organized youth and adult sport practices on January 4, 2021, per the updated guidance from the Governor’s office.  Starting January 14, 2021, games and scrimmages will begin at the NSC campus.

The NSC Guidelines for Return to Play in 2021 include:

• Per the state mandate, masks must always be worn by everyone inside our facilities. This includes participants during practices and game play.
• Locker rooms may not be used. Players should come dressed and ready to play.  Any additional equipment may be put on in designated areas that allow for social distancing.
• No equipment bags will be allowed within NSC facilities except for hockey goalies.
• Players may not enter our facilities until 10 minutes prior to the start of their scheduled time. They must exit the facility immediately following their designated time.
• Spectators will not be allowed in practices. Parents of young participants may enter the facility to assist their child in getting to the correct location and putting on equipment.  After this is done, they must immediately leave the facility. More guidance on spectators for game play will be coming. 
• Practice pods must not exceed 25.
• Stay home if you or anyone in your household is ill or experiencing COVID symptoms or are awaiting results from a test.
• Always maintain proper social distance.

“The NSC is committed to providing a safe environment for our players, coaches and staff,” said Todd Johnson, Executive Director of the National Sports Center. “In addition to safety, we are playing the role as a community partner and are doing our part to reduce community spread in the state of Minnesota.” 

The National Sports Center looks forward to welcoming players back on campus and returning to play in 2021.

Minnesota Department of Health Resources:  

COVID-19 Youth and Adult Sports under Executive Order 20-103 

COVID-19 Sports Practice Guidance for Youth and Adults 

About the National Sports Center:

The National Sports Center is one of the world’s largest amateur sports facilities. The NSC operates over 100 unique programs and events in a variety of sports as well as hosting numerous national and international competitions. The facility boasts an annual attendance of over 4 million visitors each year. The NSC is a priceless, innovative and a unique asset to Minnesota sports families and to the local economy as well.

The campus covers nearly 700 acres and includes 50 grass multi-use athletic fields, the eightsheet Super Rink, the 18-hole Victory Links golf course, a 5,500 seat stadium, the indoor Sports Hall with an artificial turf field, the Sport Expo Center featuring basketball and volleyball courts and a 180-bed residence hall.

In addition to being the home of Minnesota United FC, the NSC houses the offices of Blaine Soccer Club.

The NSC is a State of Minnesota campus but is operated by the National Sports Center Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that is self-sustaining and receives no annual operating funding from the state.