National Sports Center | Blaine, Minnesota

The National Sports Center is the world's largest amateur sports facility. The NSC operates over 100 unique programs and events in a variety of sports as well as hosting numerous national and international competitions. These events draw over 4 million visitors each year, making it the most visited sports facility in the state. The NSC is a priceless, innovative, and unique asset to the local community, state, and region.

The NSC has a dual mission:

• To provide amateur sports opportunities to Minnesota residents
  Even though the NSC produces impressive economic impact from out-of-state visitors through signature tournaments and events, 92 percent of participants and visitors are Minnesota residents. This includes athletes who play in leagues and tournaments and their families, spectators to amateur sports events, golfers at Victory Links, and attendees at numerous expos and private meetings. On an average day there are 12 different programs and events taking place at the NSC, and most serve the local community.
• To generate out-of-state economic impact through amateur sports events and programs
  Programs and events at the NSC generate over $83 million in annual visitor economic impact.

The campus covers 660-acres of sport and event facilities in Blaine, Minnesota. It includes:

• 50 multi-use athletic fields
• Super Rink – eight-rink ice arena
• NSC Stadium – 400'x400' open span artificial turf field (two full-size fields) with seating capacity for 5,500 spectators
• Welcome Center – 36,000 sq. ft. events and meeting facility, also the administrative office location
• Sport Expo Center – 18,000 sq. ft. indoor sports training and court sports facility, with basketball and volleyball.
• Victory Links Golf Course – 18-hole PGA-Tour designed golf course with 6 tee boxes, a driving range and a bent grass putting course
• Sports Hall – 58,000 sq. ft. indoor FieldTurf field
• 180-bed residence hall

The NSC facility is operated by the National Sports Center Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Although the campus was originally purchased and developed with funds from the State of Minnesota, it operates as an independent organization and receives no annual appropriations from the state.

The video below chronicles the history of the National Sports Center with interviews from some of those who made it happen.