Thousands of gymnasts from across the country are landing in downtown Minneapolis this week, competing at the national level or vying for a coveted spot on the U.S. Olympic Team.

The Minneapolis Convention Center is hosting the USA Gymnastics Championships through Wednesday, the USA Gymnastics for All GymFest Wednesday through Sunday, and the USA Gymnastics National Congress and Trade Show Friday through Sunday. The main event for elite athletes and spectators, the U.S. Olympic gymnastics trials take place Thursday through Sunday at Target Center.

Collectively known as Gymnastics City USA, it’s USA Gymnastics’ single largest event in its 61-year history, and the first time Minneapolis has hosted the Olympic gymnastics trials.

“It is a culmination of our four biggest events,” USA Gymnastics President and CEO Li Li Leung said during a Monday press conference. “Never before have these events ever been put on at the same time, let alone in one single city.”

Between gymnasts and fans, Minnesota Sports and Events President and CEO Wendy Blackshaw estimates the Olympic trials will inject $50 million to $70 million into the local economy. The regional sports commission will conduct a study to determine a more specific figure after the event.

By comparison, the NCAA Women’s Final Four generated $32.9 million in April 2022, when it took place over three days at Target Center.

“We know how to do large-scale events and we know how to do them really well,” Mayor Jacob Frey said during the press conference. “We're gonna roll the red carpet out for all of your athletes, not just the ones that are making the Olympics, but recognizing that there are a huge chunk of them where this is the culmination of a whole lot of work.”

USA Gymnastics President and CEO Li Li Leung speaks during a press conference on Monday outside of Target Center, where the Olympic gymnastic trials take place Thursday to Sunday. Photo by Brianna Kelly

More than 6,000 gymnasts are slated to compete during the Olympic trials, including Olympic gold medalists Suni Lee and Simone Biles, both of whom compete in artistic gymnastics.

Trampoline gymnasts who will compete for Team USA will be announced on Wednesday at the convention center. The men’s artistic Olympic team will be announced on Saturday at Target Center, followed by the women’s artistic Olympic team on Sunday.

Check out MinnPost’s guide to the U.S. Olympic gymnastics trials in Minneapolis for more information on who and how to watch.

The 2024 Summer Olympics will be held July 26 through Aug. 11 in Paris.

From left, Mayor Jacob Frey, Sen. Amy Klobuchar, Gov. Tim Walz, and Minnesota Sports and Events President and CEO Wendy Blackshaw shared their excitement over Gymnastics City USA events during a Monday press conference. Photo Brianna Kelly

There are two big public activations happening around downtown Minneapolis during the U.S. Olympic gymnastics trials.

A Parisian street fair called Promenade du Nord will bring over 60 local vendors, live music, performances, and other entertainment to Nicollet Mall between Peavey Plaza and Seventh Street. It will be open Thursday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Right outside of Target Center, there will be a free area known as Flip Zone, with activities for kids including a parkour course, gymnastics demos, autograph opportunities, and big TVs that will screen the trials. Flip Zone will be open in Target Plaza between the basketball and baseball stadiums on Thursday from 3-8 p.m., Friday from 3-10 p.m., Saturday from 12-6 p.m., and Sunday from 3-10 p.m.

A kick-off performance, featuring more than 1,000 gymnasts dancing to a mash-up of Prince songs, happens Thursday at 11:45 a.m. on Nicollet Mall between Eighth and 11th streets. “A massive celebration” will take place Sunday night at Target Center as the grand finale to Gymnastics City 2024, Leung said.

Gov. Tim Walz declared June 24-30, 2024 as “Gymnastics City USA Week” in Minnesota during the press conference on Monday.