Key findings
Economic activity: The Gymnastics Olympic Team Trials and events generated significant economic activity in the Twin Cities.
The 2024 Gymnastics Olympic Team Trials and events created an estimated $74.8 million in economic activity. This included $26.4 million in labor income for the 510 workers whose jobs were supported by the events. The events also generated $5.7 million in tax collections.
Attendees: The trials and events attracted new people to the Twin Cities, who left with a more favorable view of the region.
The Gymnastics Olympic Team Trials and events brought more than 67,000 people to Minneapolis. Of those, 77 percent came from outside the Twin Cities, representing all 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and six countries.
Event experience: Overall, attendees were highly satisfied with their experience, primarily due to the quality of the event facilities and the friendliness of the community.
Two of every three attendees reported a more favorable impression of the Twin Cities following their attendance at the events.
Ninety-five percent of people who attended the trials and events reported being satisfied with their experience. The quality of the event facilities and the friendliness of the community drove the positive level of satisfaction.
Local business impact: The Gymnastics Olympic Team Trials and events brought business to hotels, retail, and dining establishments.
Businesses that most directly benefited from the Olympic trials and events included hotels, restaurants and bars, and general merchandise stores. Locations most commonly visited by survey respondents included local restaurants and breweries, the Mall of America, and Target Field. Industries not directly serving attendees but still benefiting from the event included real estate and professional and technical services.
About the report
In June 2024, Minneapolis became “Gymnastics City USA 2024.” The city played host to the U.S. Olympic Gymnastics Team Trials, along with the USA Gymnastics Championship, the USAG National Congress and Trade Show, and the All National Championships featuring Gymfest. In addition to these ticketed events, Minnesota Sports and Events operated a Parisian marketplace and the Flip Zone.
The events drew thousands of people to downtown Minneapolis. Organizers estimated 6,000 athletes participated in the events themselves. Along with the athletes came their families and support networks. In addition, the events brought in spectators. Ticket counts from the Target Center show between 14,000 and 17,000 spectators filled Target Center each day during the trials.
Minnesota Sports and Events, lead local organizer of the events, was interested in understanding the economic impact of the activities in Minneapolis. To do this, they partnered with the University of Minnesota Extension to conduct an economic impact analysis.
Reviewed in 2024