$750 Million Project Set to Make Blaine an Entertainment Hub!
Blaine, MN, is ready to turn heads with a massive $750 million sports and entertainment district that is already breaking ground in the heart of the city. Located next to the National Sports Center, this 60-acre redevelopment promises to reshape the area, adding upscale restaurants, hotels, event spaces, and apartment complexes.
This ambitious project is the city’s answer to its lack of a central “downtown” and aims to bring a new level of excitement to Blaine for both residents and tourists alike.
By selling the land to private developers, Blaine is now setting the stage for a bustling district that will attract visitors and support local businesses. According to Thorvig, this $750 million investment will boost the city’s tax base and increase long-term revenue.
What the Project Brings to the Table
The News / Erik Thorvig, Blaine’s community development director, shared that the city’s vision for this area started over a decade ago. The initial goal was to revamp aging properties and create a vibrant hub for entertainment, tourism, and dining.
Blaine has already earned a reputation as a sports destination, drawing in millions of visitors annually. However, despite welcoming over 7 million people every year, the city has long struggled with limited options for tourists to stay and gather. That is all about to change.
The new district will serve as a “downtown” of sorts, a gathering place where tourists and locals can enjoy a mix of entertainment and leisure activities. Alongside the new hotels and restaurants, the area will feature walking paths and an event stadium, which could host concerts or even a minor league baseball team.
This expansion is expected to boost tourism and provide more entertainment options, drawing in even more visitors. Local businesses will see increased foot traffic, and Blaine will benefit from new economic opportunities.
The Iconic National Sports Center
The city’s sporting legacy is already anchored by the National Sports Center (NSC), the world’s largest amateur sports facility. With over 50 soccer fields, ice rinks, a PGA golf course, and more, the NSC brings in over 4 million visitors each year.
Its events, like the USA Cup Soccer Tournament, attract thousands of athletes and spectators from around the world, and the PGA Tour’s 3M Open at TPC Twin Cities is another major draw.
Sportsy / The NSC’s creation in the 1980s was part of Blaine’s bid to host the Summer Olympics. Though the bid didn’t succeed, the $14.7 million investment paid off by establishing Blaine as a premier sports destination.
Today, the NSC continues to play a key role in Blaine’s tourism draw, and the new development will only build on that legacy. It provides an even bigger draw for visitors and creates more opportunities for local businesses.
The Impact on Blaine’s Growth and Future
Blaine has been growing rapidly in recent years, and the new project is expected to help the city keep pace with its increasing population. With more than 73,000 residents, Blaine has become the largest city in Anoka County, and the growth shows no signs of slowing.
The city’s leaders believe the entertainment district will elevate Blaine to a top-tier destination for sports tourism and entertainment in the Midwest, attracting visitors from far and wide.
One of the major hurdles for the city has been a lack of lodging options for tourists. With the new development, that is about to change. City council member Chris Massoglia noted that residents have long expressed a desire for more commercial and entertainment options rather than more housing. This project will address those concerns by offering more lodging, dining, and entertainment spaces for visitors.