Workshop Item - Erik Thorvig, Community Development Director
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3M Open Hospitality Discussion
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Background
This year’s 3M Open will be held July 19-25. Practice rounds occur Monday-Wednesday with the tournament rounds occurring Thursday-Sunday. The tournament has indicated they will be allowed a capacity of 10,000 fans per day with the potential of additional fans depending on direction from the State of Minnesota as COVID restrictions are being reduced. Tournament staff indicated that 10,000 fans per day approaches the number of fans that attended the tournament in 2019. There will not be a concert this year.
As a tournament partner, the City of Blaine is afforded the opportunity of a hospitality venue to host guests. Details are still being discussed about what the venue may look like. It is likely the City will have the option of a covered, open air space or an indoor/outdoor space similar to what was available in 2019. Once more details are provided by the tournament, city staff, along with consultation from the City Council, will decide what space best suits our needs and is consistent with the City’s COVID protocols. Nonetheless, we anticipate up to 40 guests per day for the hospitality venue.
In the past, invitations have been focused on real estate developers/brokers, prospective businesses, existing Blaine businesses and other key stakeholders in the community. The venue provides an excellent opportunity for networking, introductions and marketing of Blaine. The City Council is asked to attend as their schedule allows Thursday-Sunday.
In addition to the hospitality venue, the City has a four-person team for the Wednesday pro-am event. This was offered by the tournament due to limited hospitality opportunities in 2020. A pro-am event is where a foursome plays with a professional on the course during the practice round. One or two spots would be available for city staff/elected officials and the remaining spots would be for guests. This is an extremely unique opportunity to invite high-level individuals from a business, etc. Staff is requesting direction from the City Council on who to invite to play. For example, CEO/VP level executives from a major real estate development company or large company not located in Blaine, representatives from a grocer or other retailer/entertainment user we’re trying to attract to Blaine, representatives from a high-profile Blaine business, etc. These guests would be invited to the hospitality space afterwards to meet other staff/City Councilmembers.
Lastly, the City has been invited to the draw party on Tuesday, July 20. This is an evening event where the pro-am pairings are “drawn”, hence a draw party. Staff sent an email to the City Council several weeks ago and have received confirmation from three councilmembers regarding their interest in attending. Please let staff know if you’re interested in attending so spots can be reserved. Very few details are available at this time, however, more information will be provided as the event approaches.
Staff Recommendation
Provide feedback on general ideas for the hospitality venue and clear direction on who to focus an invitation to for the pro-am event.
Attachment List
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