Free afternoon between matches
Most teams play once or twice a day. Two- to four-hour gaps are normal.
- Family pickChain of Lakes bike tour
- EatMidtown Global Market
Schwan's USA Cup 2027: things to do for parents and families
21 to 26 July 2027 · ExpectedMinneapolis, United StatesLargest youth soccer tournament in the Western Hemisphere
Teams at Schwan's USA Cup play once or twice a day. Parents and siblings have hours between matches in Minneapolis: this guide covers half-day trips, things for kids, rainy-day backups and a night out for the parents.
Know before you go
- Teams usually sleep in school halls with their coaches. Parents book their own rooms early: hotels near the main fields fill up a year ahead.
Airport to National Sports Center, Blaine
MSP airport is on the Blue Line light rail, 25 minutes to downtown.
Blaine is 25 minutes north of Minneapolis; you need a car.
Public transport directions to National Sports Center, Blaine
Where to stay by budget
| Budget | Where | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Bloomington | Chains near the Mall of America and USA Cup fields. |
| Mid-range | North Loop | Restaurants and bars. |
| Splurge | Downtown | Luxury hotels. |
Three hotels we would book
- Budget: Hampton Inn Minneapolis Bloomington West
- Mid-range: Hewing Hotel
- Splurge: Four Seasons Hotel Minneapolis
Day plans for the free hours
Built around the usual tournament week schedule for 21 to 26 July 2027. Session times change: check the official timetable and move the blocks around.
Rest day or knocked out early
The day to take the whole family out of town.
- Free ideaStone Arch Bridge.
Siblings who are not playing
For younger brothers and sisters who are bored of the sidelines.
- Family pickMall of America and Nickelodeon Universe
- FreeMinneapolis Sculpture Garden.
Rainy day
Indoor backups for the whole family.
- Rain or heat backupMill City Museum.
- Rain or heat backupWalker Art Center.
Parents night out
When the coaches have the team for the evening.
- EveningBrewery tour
- EatMatt's Bar
Family-friendly picks
- Minnesota Zoo.
- Science Museum of Minnesota.
Evening and day-trip tours
After dark
- North Loop and Uptown.
4 tours worth booking for Schwan's USA Cup
| Tour | Length | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi riverboat | Half day | Tired legs |
| Chain of Lakes bike tour | Half day | Families |
| Mall of America and Nickelodeon Universe | Half day | Families, Bad weather |
| Brewery tour | Evening | Night owls, Food lovers |
Where to eat
Rainy-day backups
- Walker Art Center.
- Mill City Museum.
Getting around on event days
- Metro Blue and Green lines; Blaine (USA Cup) needs a car.
Day trips from Minneapolis
- St Paul: 20 minutes
- Stillwater: 45 minutes
Bringing a group?
Corporate hospitality, fan clubs, teams and families travelling together: tell us the dates and group size and we will put together tours, transfers and a group dinner for Schwan's USA Cup.
Plan a group tripQuestions people ask
When is Schwan's USA Cup 2027?
The next edition is 21 to 26 July 2027, following the usual pattern. The organiser has not confirmed it yet.
How do I get from the airport to National Sports Center, Blaine?
MSP airport is on the Blue Line light rail, 25 minutes to downtown. Blaine is 25 minutes north of Minneapolis; you need a car.
Where should I stay for Schwan's USA Cup?
For most visitors the best base is North Loop: Restaurants and bars.
What can we do between sessions at Schwan's USA Cup?
Good short outings in Minneapolis include Mall of America and Nickelodeon Universe, Mississippi riverboat, Chain of Lakes bike tour. See the day plans on this page for a full schedule.
What is there for kids and families near Schwan's USA Cup?
Family-friendly picks: Mall of America and Nickelodeon Universe, Chain of Lakes bike tour. Minnesota Zoo.
How far is National Sports Center, Blaine from Minneapolis centre?
About 20 km in a straight line. Blaine is 25 minutes north of Minneapolis; you need a car.
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