MINNEAPOLIS-SAINT PAUL, Minn. — Imagine spending the next year cheering on the Minnesota Golden Gophers, Timberwolves, Lynx, Twins, Wild, Frost, United FC and more - all from one incredible prize.
Today, Minnesota Sports and Events (MNSE) announced the launch of the MNSE Golden Ticket, a new fundraising initiative that will award five lucky winners two tickets to more than 50 Minnesota sporting events during the 2026-27 season, creating what MNSE is calling the Ultimate Minnesota Sports Sampler. From baseball and football to hockey, basketball, rugby, soccer, and more, it's a one-of-a-kind opportunity to experience the best of Minnesota men’s and women’s sports all year long.
The prize package brings together 16 of Minnesota's premier professional and collegiate sports teams and organizations in one unforgettable fan experience while supporting the work that helps bring major national and international events to Minnesota.
Participating teams and organizations include:
- Minnesota Aurora FC
- Minnesota Frost
- Minnesota League One Volleyball (LOVB)
- Minnesota Lynx
- Minnesota Timberwolves
- Minnesota Twins
- Minnesota United FC
- Minnesota Wild
- Minnesota Wind Chill
- MLV Minnesota (Major League Volleyball)
- Twin Cities Gemini
- University of Minnesota Men's Basketball
- University of Minnesota Women's Basketball
- University of Minnesota Football
- University of Minnesota Men’s Hockey
- University of Minnesota Women's Hockey
Together, the prize package represents one of the most comprehensive sports experiences ever assembled in Minnesota.
“Minnesota fans have shown time and again that they will rally behind great teams, great events and great experiences,” said Wendy Blackshaw, president and CEO of Minnesota Sports and Events. “The MNSE Golden Ticket gives fans the chance to experience an unforgettable year of Minnesota sports, while every ticket purchased helps us continue attracting and hosting world-class events that strengthen our economy, elevate our communities, and showcase Minnesota on the national and international stage. It’s an opportunity for fans to experience something extraordinary while helping make extraordinary things happen for our state.”
Five Winners. One Ultimate Minnesota Sports Sampler.
Each of the five winners will receive:
- Two tickets to more than 50 Minnesota sporting events
- Experiences across 16 of Minnesota's premier professional and collegiate sports properties
- A full calendar of unforgettable sports moments throughout the 2026-27 season
From Opening Day at Target Field and Gopher football Saturdays to Wild hockey, professional soccer, volleyball and championship basketball, winners will experience the remarkable depth and diversity of Minnesota sports.
More Than a Prize The MNSE Golden Ticket was created to establish a sustainable annual funding source that will help Minnesota Sports and Events continue attracting, supporting and hosting major sporting events for years to come.
Unlike most sports commissions nationwide, MNSE does not receive permanent public funding. Instead, it relies on corporate support, infrequent one-time appropriations and self-generated revenue initiatives, like the Golden Ticket Raffle, to attract major events that deliver lasting economic and community benefit across Minnesota.
In recent years, MNSE has helped bring events including the USA Gymnastics Olympic Trials, IIHF World Junior Championship, WWE SummerSlam, the 2028 NFL Draft and numerous national championships and international competitions to Minnesota, generating hundreds of millions of dollars in economic activity while showcasing the state to audiences around the world.
Every Golden Ticket purchased helps strengthen Minnesota's ability to compete for the next generation of world-class sporting events.
How to Enter MNSE Golden Ticket Raffle tickets must be purchased in person at official MNSE Golden Ticket sales locations. Current locations include Mall of America in Bloomington, Minn., (select dates and times), WE Fest in Detroit Lakes (August 5-8), A Bar of Their Own, and Tom’s Watch Bar, both in Minneapolis. Additional locations will be announced. Raffle tickets are priced at one ticket for $25, 10 tickets for $100, or 20 tickets for $150. For rules, terms and full details, visit MNSEGoldenTicket.com.
The inaugural MNSE Golden Ticket Raffle runs through September 30. The first winning number will be drawn on September 9, 2026. A second winning number will be selected on September 16, 2026, and the remaining three winning raffle numbers will be drawn after sales conclude on September 30, 2026.
The MNSE Golden Ticket Raffle is administered by the Ted Williams Foundation. The raffle’s Minnesota Gaming Board permit number is 93396.
About Minnesota Sports and Events Minnesota Sports and Events is an independent 501©(6) organization dedicated to creating significant economic, reputational and social impact through the attraction, promotion and execution of world-class sporting events. Working alongside public, private and nonprofit partners, MNSE attracts nationally and internationally significant sporting events that strengthen communities, generate economic impact and showcase Minnesota as one of America's premier sports destinations. For more information, visit www.mnsportsandevents.org.
Media Contact:
Kathy Ross Pavek
PR Consultant, Minnesota Sports and Events
612-805-6599
kross@mnsportsandevents.org
