Six months after securing the bid for the 2018 Super Bowl, Tunheim helped Minnesota secure another major sporting event in Minneapolis: the 2019 NCAA Men’s Final Four tournament. Minneapolis most recently hosted the Final Four in 2001 and 1992 at the old Metrodome stadium; yet with the goal to showcase the versatility of the newly-built $1 billion U.S. Bank Stadium, Tunheim played an important role with the city’s bid committee to support a high-stake bid to host the 2019 Final Four tournament.

Strategy

Year after year the NCAA looks to cities to host the nation’s most-watched basketball event and offer viewers and attendees an unparalleled fan experience. Tunheim teamed up with local partners to position Minneapolis as the best city to do the job with the new U.S. Bank Stadium and surrounding infrastructure as its focal point.

Tunheim built strong proof points and key messages that resonated with key NCAA decision makers surrounding Minnesota’s new stadium and existing successful hospitality infrastructure, such as transportation assets, skyway system, hotels and other exceptional venues for additional fan events and experiences.

Tunheim’s messaging, event planning knowledge and coordination between key partners helped build a compelling story and ultimately, a successful winning bid.

Results

Known for its ability to host iconic sporting events, such as the 2018 Super Bowl, 2016 Ryder Cup and 2014 Major League All-Star Game – marquee events Tunheim had a hand in as well -, Minnesota was selected as the host of the 2019 NCAA Men’s Final Four at U.S. Bank Stadium. Due to its vibrant community of people and strong hospitality structure, Minnesota came out on top, beating seven finalist cities including Atlanta, Indianapolis, New Orleans, North Texas, Phoenix, San Antonio and St. Louis. Hosting another major event such as the NCAA Final Four tournament allows Minnesota to bring both continued economic impact and recognition to the state as a host and travel destination. The 2019 Final Four will again put all eyes on Minnesota.