Minneapolis celebrates kickoff to U.S. Gymnastics Olympic Team Trials week
MINNEAPOLIS — Before some of the country's greatest gymnasts head to Paris for the Summer Olympics, they're gathering in Minneapolis for the U.S. Gymnastics Olympic Team Trials.
More than 6,000 athletes, including Simone Biles and Minnesota's own Suni Lee, are in the Twin Cities this week to compete for a spot on the U.S. Olympic Team. Tens of thousands of fans will also be on hand to cheer them on.
Target Field Plaza will be transformed into "Gymnastics City, USA" with entertainment for all ages.
Gov. Tim Walz declared this week "Gymnastics City USA Week" in Minnesota to honor the event. He was joined during a celebration on Monday by the likes of USA Gymnastics President Li Li Leung, Sen. Amy Klobuchar and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey.
"We know Minneapolis and the state of Minnesota shares in our excitement and cannot wait to share USA Gymnastics with all of us," Leung said.
Events take place all week long throughout downtown. The Minneapolis Convention Center is where you can check out training and some competitions.
The four-day trials for Team USA begin Thursday at Target Center. Outside, head to the Flip Zone to try gymnastics equipment, a climbing wall and more.
There's also Promenade du Nord, a Parisian-themed street market along Nicollet Mall and Peavey Plaza, right across from the WCCO-TV studio.