About the NSC

The National Sports Center is the world’s largest amateur sports facility. The NSC is operated by the National Sports Center Foundation, a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to providing exceptional sports and athletic experiences with programs and services. The NSCF produces over 100 unique programs and events in a variety of sports as well as hosting numerous national and international competitions. These events draw over 4 million visits each year, making it the most visited sports facility in the state. The NSC is a priceless, innovative, and unique asset to the local community, state, and region.

The NSCF has a dual mission:

To provide amateur sports opportunities to Minnesota residents

Even though the NSC produces impressive economic impact from out-of-state visitors through signature tournaments and events, 90 percent of participants and visitors are Minnesota residents. This includes athletes who play in leagues and tournaments and their families, spectators to amateur sports events, golfers at Victory Links, and attendees at numerous expos and private meetings. On an average day there are 12 different programs and events taking place at the NSC, and most serve the local community.

To generate out-of-state economic impact through amateur sports events and programs

Programs and events at the NSC generate over $70 million in annual visitor economic impact.

History of the NSC

NSC Fund for Play

Minnesota Amateur Sports Commission

Staff/Employment

Sponsors/Partners

Media

The NSC facility is operated by the National Sports Center Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Although the campus was originally purchased and developed with funds from the State of Minnesota, it operates as an independent organization and receives no annual appropriations from the state.

The video below chronicles the history of the National Sports Center with interviews from some of those who made it happen.

NSCF Sports Opportunities

Field Sports

Youth soccer programs and other field sports are held throughout the year and provide athletes, of all levels of skill, quality training, instruction, and competition. More than 10,000 youngsters from the Metro area participate in camps, clinics, leagues, and developmental programs on a year-round basis.

Ice Sports

The foundation provides opportunities in ice sports for youth, including Minnesota’s largest figure skating educational program, as well as camps and tournaments for girls and boys in hockey on a year-round basis. The foundation also sponsors numerous other youth programs throughout the year, such as competitions, training, education, and clinics. All these amateur sports programs contribute to the physical education of young people and provide the opportunity to develop a healthy lifestyle through athletics.

Golf

The National Sports Center’s golf education programs serve nearly thousands of children annually by introducing young people to the skills, rules, equipment, and etiquette of the game of golf. The NSC takes pride in being a youth-friendly golf facility by offering youth players affordable rates, a wide range of instructional opportunities, and an accommodating and welcoming attitude toward young players.

Other Programs

The National Sports Center also promotes and organizes programs for volleyball, basketball, lacrosse and more.

Summary

The foundation’s programs contribute to the development of social networks in the community and also make a significant economic-impact contribution to the Twin Cities communities and the state of Minnesota.
The National Sports Center occupies a position of pride for Minnesota residents, and even more so for Anoka County, whose residents, businesses and political leaders frequently reference their pride in being home to such a unique and successful amateur sports facility.

The structure of the NSCF

The NSCF is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that was created in 1989 and chartered by the Minnesota Amateur Sports Commission to manage the day-to-day operations of the National Sports Center. The NSCF operates the National Sports Center campus and is dedicated to fulfilling the mission of the NSC.

The NSCF operates the National Sports Center without an operating subsidy from the State of Minnesota.

The National Sports Center Foundation Board of Directors

The NSCF Board of Directors is appointed by the Minnesota Amateur Sports Commission. Board members serve two-year terms, with half the board appointed each year.

Gottschalk, Al, Chair

Blaine, MN

Beggin, Paul

St. Paul, MN

Berndt, Jonah

Arden Hills, MN

Gottchalk, Al

Blaine, MN

Hallock, Joan

St. Paul, MN

Jackson, Frank

St. Paul, MN

Johnson, Todd M., Executive Director

Olson, Steve, Secretary

Sanders, Tim

Blaine, MN

Tucker, Trent

Tabor, Susan

Lacher, Jessica

Reich, John

Loe, Scott