2026 USA Games
Learn more about one of the country’s largest sporting events in 2026.
Welcome to the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, a monumental celebration of ability and inclusion set against the backdrop of the beautiful Twin Cities. Our mission is to create an inclusive event that celebrates ABILITY, delivers the highest quality experiences for all who participate, and leaves a legacy of positive change in Minnesota.
Event Details:
The Games are scheduled to take place from June 20-26, 2026, at the prestigious University of Minnesota, the official host venue. In addition to the university, the event will unfold across other premier locations, including competitions at the National Sports Center in Blaine, and special event programming at Allianz Field in Saint Paul and Mall of America in Bloomington.
“We are thrilled to be able to host the 2026 USA Games in the Twin Cities! Celebrating the athletic accomplishments on display will be pure joy, and advancing the mission of Special Olympics will be a great honor for our community!”
We anticipate the participation of 3,000 athletes and 1,500 coaches representing all 50 states, engaging in 16 Special Olympics team and individual sports (both traditional and Unified, where people with and without intellectual disabilities compete together). The event will be supported by a dedicated team of over 10,000 volunteers with an enthusiastic audience of 75,000 fans cheering on the inspiring athletes.
For more information about each sport, click here.
Event Highlights:
- Law Enforcement Torch Run: The excitement for the 2026 USA Games begins 2-3 weeks in advance with the Law Enforcement Torch Run. Law enforcement members, alongside Special Olympics athletes, will carry the “Flame of Hope” across key markets, creating a sense of anticipation and unity leading up to the Opening Ceremony.
- Opening and Closing Ceremonies: The Opening Ceremony promises to be a spectacular event, with an anticipated sold-out stadium. Get ready to experience the inspiring Parade of Athletes, the lighting of the cauldron, and spectacular live musical performances by Demi Lovato and Jon Batiste. At the end of the week, witness the declaration of closing and symbolic passing of the torch during Closing Ceremony.
- Healthy Athletes Experience: As a signature program of Special Olympics, the Healthy Athletes Experience offers health screening stations and services free of charge to all participating athletes. This initiative ensures the holistic well-being of our athletes, promoting a healthy and active lifestyle. We anticipate 10,000 free health screenings to be administered during the week of the Games.
- Fan Zones: The Fan Zone is where the magic happens off the field. With daily programming, evening festivities, partner activations, and exciting interactions, it’s the perfect space for the community to come together and celebrate the spirit of the Games. For the first time in USA Games history, the Fan Zone will be split across three different locations—the University of Minnesota, National Sports Center, and Mall of America. Each location promises to offer its own unique and engaging experiences that will make the 2026 USA Games truly memorable.
Join us for an extraordinary week filled with athleticism, camaraderie, and the spirit of inclusivity. The 2026 USA Games aims to create lasting memories and a positive legacy that extends far beyond the event itself. We invite you to be a part of this transformative experience, celebrating the abilities of all and fostering positive change in Minnesota.