During the U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Gymnastics at Target Center from June 27-30, Minneapolis will take Gymnastics City USA to another level with a series of exciting fan events, concerts and performances. It all starts with a massive Olympic Trials kickoff event on Nicollet Mall on Thursday, June 27, at 11:30 a.m., featuring a 1,000-gymnast dance performance to a mash-up of songs by Minneapolis’ own Prince.

A first for USA Gymnastics and the City of Minneapolis, this incredible dance performance will feature 750+ enthusiasts from Gymnastics for All, ranging in age from less than a year old to 76 years old; 140+ talented local gymnasts; gymnastics fans from 23 U.S. states; international dancers; athletes from Special Olympics; and more than 100 special guests, including Minnesota Vikings cheerleaders and drum line, mascots from Minnesota sports franchises, event volunteers and more.

The dance performance will also mark the official opening of Promenade du Nord, an upscale Parisian street fair, located between Peavey Plaza and 7th street on Nicollet Mall in Minneapolis. To transport fans to Paris, the street will be adorned with a replica Eiffel Tower and lined with flowered trellis and light poles. A collection of restaurants along Nicollet Mall will offer patio seating, so visitors can enjoy a meal amidst the Parisian atmosphere.

Promenade du Nord is anchored by an upscale market, curated by Mich Berthiaume of Mich’s Markets, allowing fans to shop for clothing, sweet treats, home décor and a variety of other goods from 60 of Minnesota’s best local vendors. Fans can enjoy performances on a spectacular stage within the water basin of Peavey Plaza, with appearances by artistic gymnastics from Sweden, Switzerland and Minnesota’s own Circus Juventas.

Meanwhile, Flip Zone presented by Target – the official fan fest of Gymnastics City USA – will take place on Target Plaza outside Target Field and along N. 1st Avenue outside Target Center. Flip Zone is the place for kids to jump, leap, climb and enjoy all kinds of interactive fun. The fan fest will have gymnastics demonstrations on a variety of equipment like bars and rings, as well as a parkour course and even a 20-foot Free Fall into a big airbag.

Each day at Flip Zone, there will be a surprise musical performance before the doors open to Target Center for the Olympic Trials. DJs and special guests will perform throughout the day, and gymnastics legends will even stop by for autograph sessions. Plus, Gate 34 at Target Field will be dishing out special Minnesota-themed menu items and streaming the Trials live so fans don’t miss a beat.

Flip Zone Schedule
• Thursday, June 27, from 3 – 8 p.m.
• Friday, June 28, from 3 – 10 p.m.
• Saturday, June 29, from 12 – 6 p.m.
• Sunday, June 30, from 3 – 10 p.m.

Athlete Appearances at Flip Zone
• Thursday from 3:30-4:00 p.m. – Laurie Hernandez and Justin Spring
• Saturday from 1:30-2:30 p.m. & 5-6 p.m. – Chellsie Memmel and Dominique Dawes
• Sunday from 4-5 p.m. – Lexi Zeiss and Trinity Thomas
• Sunday from 6-6:30 p.m. – Minnesota Golden Gophers Women’s Gymnastics

For more information about Gymnastics City USA and fan events, go to mnse.co/fanguide

(info courtesy of USA Gymnastics)

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