University of Minnesota
The University of Minnesota’s Twin Cities campus, the flagship institution of the University of Minnesota system, will serve as a central hub for the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games. Located in the heart of Minneapolis and St. Paul, the university will host 10 of the 16 sports, numerous special events—including the Opening Ceremony and one of three Fan Zones—and will house athletes in its dormitories throughout the week of the Games. The Minneapolis campus is divided into two areas, the East Bank and West Bank, separated by the Mississippi River and connected by pedestrian bridges and a campus shuttle system. Just a few miles away, the St. Paul campus offers a quieter, more park-like setting, home to agricultural, environmental, and veterinary sciences. Founded in 1851, the University of Minnesota is one of the nation’s top public research universities, known for its academic excellence, Big Ten athletics, and historic campus. With world-class athletic facilities, a vibrant urban setting, and a strong commitment to inclusion, the university provides an inspiring and dynamic environment for athletes, coaches, and fans alike.
What To Know:
- Locations: Minneapolis (East Bank and West Bank) and St. Paul
- Opening: 1851
- Sports: Athletics, Basketball, Bocce, Competitive Cheer, Cornhole, Gymnastics, Powerlifting, Swimming, Tennis, Volleyball
Stats about the University of Minnesota
1851
opened
The University of Minnesota was founded seven
years before Minnesota even became a state!
years before Minnesota even became a state!
50,000+
students
The Twin Cities campus accounts for about 80% of
the total UMN enrollment across all five campuses
the total UMN enrollment across all five campuses
1 of 5
universities in the US
UMN is one of only five universities in the nation to have an engineering,
medical, law, veterinary, and agricultural school all on one campus.
medical, law, veterinary, and agricultural school all on one campus.
Venues
Click below to learn about the venues that will host all sports at the University of Minnesota:
Track and Field Stadium
The University of Minnesota Track and Field Stadium is a state-of-the-art facility designed to host major competitions at all levels. Located on the Twin Cities campus in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the stadium features a nine-lane track with the Beynon 2000 surface, renowned for its durability and performance. It is fully equipped to host all field events on-site, ensuring a complete track and field competition can be held in one location.
Larson Performance Center
The Larson Performance Center is a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to supporting student-athletes at the University of Minnesota. Opened in 2018 as one of the four primary facilities in the university's "Athletes Village," the center offers cutting-edge amenities for training, rehabilitation, and performance analysis, along with resources designed to foster personal growth and success.
Baseline Tennis Center
The Baseline Tennis Center is a premier tennis facility located on the University of Minnesota’s Twin Cities campus in Minneapolis. Connected to Ridder Arena, the center serves as the home of the Gophers men’s and women’s tennis teams and is open to the public for recreational play. Opened in 2002, Baseline Tennis Center features 10 indoor courts and 12 outdoor courts, offering year-round training and competition opportunities.
Ridder Arena
Ridder Arena is a premier ice hockey facility located on the University of Minnesota's Twin Cities campus in Minneapolis. Opened in 2002, it is the first arena in the nation specifically built to host a collegiate women’s hockey program, serving as the home of the Minnesota Golden Gophers women’s hockey team.
3M Arena at Mariucci
3M Arena at Mariucci, or simply "3M Arena," is the home of the University of Minnesota’s men’s hockey team and one of the most iconic college hockey venues in the country. Located on the Twin Cities campus in Minneapolis, the arena first opened in 1993 as Mariucci Arena, named after legendary Gophers coach John Mariucci, who is often referred to as the "Godfather" of Minnesota hockey.
Maturi Pavilion
Maturi Pavilion is a prominent sports arena located on the University of Minnesota's Twin Cities campus in Minneapolis. It serves as the home for the university's volleyball, gymnastics, and wrestling teams, providing a versatile and vibrant environment for collegiate athletics. Over the years, Maturi Pavilion has hosted numerous high-profile athletic events, including NCAA tournaments and Big Ten championships, earning a reputation for its enthusiastic crowds and intimate atmosphere.
Northrop
Northrop is an iconic cultural and performance venue located at the heart of the University of Minnesota's Twin Cities campus in Minneapolis. Originally opened in 1929, Northrop has served as a hub for the performing arts, hosting a wide range of events including world-class concerts, lectures, dance performances, and university ceremonies.
Fieldhouse
The University of Minnesota Fieldhouse is a versatile indoor athletic facility located on the Twin Cities campus in Minneapolis. Serving as a key training and competition space for Gophers athletics, the Fieldhouse is primarily used for indoor track and field events, as well as training for various sports during the winter months.
Recreation and Wellness Center
The University of Minnesota's Recreation and Wellness Center, commonly referred to as the "RecWell," is a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to promoting physical fitness, health, and overall well-being among students, faculty, and staff. Located on the university's Twin Cities campus in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the RecWell offers a wide range of amenities including fitness equipment, indoor and outdoor pools, group exercise classes, basketball courts, and more.
Jean K. Freeman Aquatic Center
The Jean K. Freeman Aquatic Center is a premier swimming and diving facility located on the University of Minnesota's Twin Cities campus in Minneapolis. Named in honor of the legendary Gophers swimming coach Jean K. Freeman, the center is renowned for its state-of-the-art amenities, including an Olympic-sized pool, a diving well, and seating for over 1,300 spectators.
It will be our distinct privilege as our state’s flagship university to host Special Olympics athletes, their families, and their supporters from around the globe on our University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus. The U of M and USA Games share a common commitment to values that celebrate equity, inclusivity, and the spirit of community. With great excitement we look forward to June 2026 and the chance to play our part in supporting one of the world’s truly extraordinary events.
The University of Minnesota
University of Minnesota Photo Gallery
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