Governor Walz and Pro Sports Teams

Governor Walz, Pro Sports Teams Announce New Vaccination Opportunities at Upcoming Games
Lynx, Loons, Saints, Timberwolves, Twins, Vikings, and Wild continue to promote importance of COVID-19 vaccines
Governor Tim Walz and Minnesota’s professional sports franchises announced a series of on-site vaccination opportunities for fans attending games in the weeks ahead.
The upcoming events are part of the ‘Roll Up Your Sleeves, Minnesota Fans’ campaign. These efforts continue the strong partnership between the Walz-Flanagan Administration and Minnesota’s professional sports teams to meet Minnesotans where they are, offer convenient vaccination opportunities, and build the broad community protection needed to keep their fans and our state safe.
“Minnesota’s sports teams know the value of teamwork, and I am grateful to partner with them as we work together to make sure every Minnesotan has the opportunity to get a COVID-19 vaccine,” said Governor Walz. “We are always looking for creative ways to get vaccines directly to Minnesotans. This partnership is just another example of that work – and a shining example of these teams’ ongoing commitment to their fans and our communities. So roll up your sleeves as you return to the stands this summer, Minnesota sports fans – and then enjoy the game!”
Teams are partnering with healthcare providers to offer vaccines at the following games:
○ Minnesota Wild on Saturday, May 22, Xcel Energy Center
○ Minnesota Twins on Monday-Wednesday, May 24-26, Target Field
○ Minnesota Lynx on Saturday, June 12, Target Center
○ Minnesota United on Wednesday, June 23, Allianz Field
Individuals attending these games are invited to walk up and receive a free vaccine. Health insurance and identification are not required. The teams will provide more information directly to ticketholders and fans on site.
“We can’t wait to welcome back all our fans to Allianz Field, and a major component of that is making sure everyone has access to a vaccination site,” said Chris Wright, CEO, Minnesota United FC. “We’re excited to partner with the state of Minnesota and the other teams in the market in this effort to make it as safe as possible for our community to come together once again.”
“As a civic leader, we recognize the important role sports play in building stronger and healthier communities,” said Timberwolves and Lynx CEO Ethan Casson. “In continued partnership with Governor Walz, our walk-up COVID-19 vaccination event on Saturday, June 12 at Target Center will be an easy access opportunity to encourage Minnesotans to get vaccinated and another significant step forward as we look to welcome the brighter days ahead.”
“For nearly 30 years, the Saints have celebrated the importance of fun and being together,” said Derek Sharrer, St. Paul Saints Executive Vice President and General Manager. “Community-wide vaccination is our best path to having fun together again and we truly appreciate the opportunity to do our part.”
“We are proud of Minnesotans for reaching impressive vaccination numbers, but as summer begins and our ballparks and stadiums beckon, there are more sleeves to be rolled up to keep us safe and healthy,” said Minnesota Twins President and CEO Dave St. Peter. “The Twins are happy to partner with Governor Tim Walz, our fellow Minnesota sports teams, and Cub Pharmacy to offer vaccinations at Target Field before and during our games on May 24, 25, and 26.”
“We are proud to stand alongside Minnesota professional sports teams and Governor Walz to continue encouraging COVID-19 vaccinations,” said Vikings Chief Operating Officer Andrew Miller. “The vaccine progress within the state thus far is a testament to Minnesotans’ desire to protect each other. We are excited for the opportunity to welcome Vikings fans back to TCO Performance Center for training camp and to U.S. Bank Stadium for our games this season. In order to do so in a safe manner we must keep this momentum going as we begin to return to the things we love doing, including celebrating alongside other sports fans in full stadiums and arenas.”
“We are pleased to partner with Governor Walz and MDH to provide fans an opportunity to get the COVID-19 vaccine before Saturday’s Stanley Cup Playoff game,” said Minnesota Wild President Matt Majka. “This is one more way fans can help give the team the home ice advantage.”
In addition to hosting vaccine events, Minnesota’s sports franchises are actively working to inform their fans about COVID-19 best practices and encourage vaccination, including through public service announcements, in-stadium signage, and communicating directly to fans.
Past events included vaccinations at the St. Paul Saints home opener on May 11 and state-operated vaccination clinics at US Bank Stadium and the Minnesota Vikings practice facility in Eagan. The Minnesota Timberwolves have participated in a variety of vaccine-related activities including generating important public health messages when team members got vaccinated.
“Minnesota's sports teams have stepped up to meet this moment and are going above and beyond in their efforts to keep Minnesotans safe in the stadium and beyond,” continued Governor Walz.