Minnesota is about to welcome one of the biggest events in its history. The 2026 Special Olympics USA Games arrive June 20-26, bringing together 3,000 athletes, 1,500 coaches, 10,000 volunteers, and an estimated 75,000 fans from all 50 states. Hosted primarily at the University of Minnesota and the National Sports Center in Blaine, the weeklong event celebrates athletic achievement, inclusion, and community through 16 sports and dozens of public events.
Whether you’re planning to attend competitions, catch a Fan Zone event, or experience the Opening Ceremony, here’s a breakdown of the biggest moments of Games week.
Special Olympics USA Games
Saturday, June 20
Opening Ceremony
Huntington Bank Stadium | 6:30 p.m.
The Games officially begin with a spectacular Opening Ceremony featuring the Parade of Athletes, the lighting of the cauldron, and live performances from Grammy-winning artists Demi Lovato and Jon Batiste. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. The ceremony begins at 6:30 p.m. Tickets start at $26.
Healthy Athletes Ribbon Cutting
Health Sciences Education Center | 9-10 a.m.
The Healthy Athletes program provides free health screenings and wellness services for participating athletes throughout the week.
Motor Activity Training Program Demonstration
Ridder Arena | Noon-2 p.m.
Designed for athletes with profound intellectual and physical disabilities, this demonstration showcases one of Special Olympics’ most impactful programs.
2026 Special Olympics USA Games
June 21-26
Sports Competitions
Competition begins Sunday and continues throughout the week across University of Minnesota venues and the National Sports Center in Blaine.
Athletes will compete in 16 sports, including athletics, basketball, bocce, bowling, golf, gymnastics, powerlifting, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, and volleyball, along with Unified Sports that bring together athletes with and without intellectual disabilities.
Fan Zones: Three Ways to Join the Fun
For the first time in USA Games history, fans can experience three separate Fan Zones.
Thrivent Fan Fest | Maroon Lot, University of Minnesota
June 21-26 | 11 a.m.-9 p.m. (June 26: 11 a.m.-3 p.m.)
The primary festival hub will feature entertainment, activities, food, merchandise, and opportunities to meet athletes and supporters.
MDI Fan Zone | Mall of America Rotunda
June 21-26 | 11 a.m.-5 p.m. (June 26: 11 a.m.-3 p.m.)
Experience Games excitement at Mall of America with family-friendly activities, performances, and special programming.
Fredrikson Fan Zone | Field 58, National Sports Center
June 22-25 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Located near many competition venues, this Fan Zone offers activities, entertainment, and opportunities to celebrate athletes throughout the week.
Additional Events
ID Makers Market
Maroon Lot, University of Minnesota | June 21-26
Curated by Minnesota retail expert Mich Berthiaume, this pop-up market showcases artists and entrepreneurs from the intellectual disabilities community, featuring handmade goods, artwork, candles, soaps, and more.
Matthew & Co. Soaps
Young Athletes Festival
Special Olympics’ early childhood program takes center stage with activities designed for children ages 2 to 7.
- June 22: National Sports Center, 10 a.m.-Noon and 1-3 p.m.
- June 23: Mall of America, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
- June 24: National Sports Center, 9-11 a.m. and Noon-2 p.m.
ESPN Unified Sports Challenge
Allianz Field | June 22 | 7-9 p.m.
A showcase event highlighting the power of Unified Sports, where athletes with and without intellectual disabilities compete together.
Unified Work Summit
Huntington Bank Stadium | June 23 | 1-4 p.m.
This invitation-only event focuses on workforce inclusion and employment opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities.
Follow the Flame of Hope Across Minnesota
Before the Games begin, the Law Enforcement Torch Run Final Leg will make its way across Minnesota, carrying the Flame of Hope to the Opening Ceremony.
Minnesota stops include:
- June 16: Duluth
- June 17: Hibbing, Brainerd, Alexandria
- June 18: Watertown, Rochester, Red Wing, Bloomington (Mall of America)
- June 19: Stillwater, St. Paul (CHS Field)
- June 20: Blaine and Minneapolis
The 2026 route is historic—the first coast-to-coast Final Leg in USA Games history and the longest torch run ever held for the event.
Friday, June 26
Closing Ceremony
Huntington Bank Stadium | 6:30 p.m.
The Games conclude with a celebration of the week’s accomplishments, athlete achievements, live entertainment, and the symbolic passing of the torch to Cleveland, host of the 2030 Special Olympics USA Games.
Doors open at 4:30 p.m. Admission is free, though tickets are required.
