Minneapolis comes up short according to new NBA All-Star Game hosting requirements
Minneapolis was good enough to host a Super Bowl, or at least once was, but doesn't fit the bill when it comes to hosting the NBA All-Star Game.
According to The Oklahoman, the league has upped its criteria for host cities. The new requirements are:
- 7,250 hotel rooms and a minimum of three five-star hotels
- Convention center with 650,000 square feet of exhibition space
- 75 nonstop domestic flights and at least 20 international flights
While the city of Minneapolis' website says there are 9,000 hotel rooms in the city, the state currently only has one five-star hotel, the Four Seasons Minneapolis.
When it comes to convention center space the Minneapolis Convention Center has 475,000 square feet of exhibition space, a cool 175,000 square feet short of NBA requirements. U.S. Bank Stadium doesn't even come close with 241,000 square feet. Meanwhile, the St. Paul River Centre only boasts 230,000 square feet of space.
At least Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport covers the required flights, as it serves 163 nonstop domestic flights and 27 international flights.
Target Center in Minneapolis has hosted the All-Star Game once, back in 1994.
San Francisco and Los Angeles are set to host the next two editions of the midseason showcase. And it looks like if the new Wolves ownership group (Hi, A-Rod and Marc Lore) wants to host the All-Star Game they'll need much more than an updated Target Center.
Feb 18, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Western Conference guard Anthony Edwards (5) of the Minnesota Timberwolves shoots the ball against the Eastern Conference All-Stars during the first quarter in the 73rd NBA All Star game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
© Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
