Minneapolis (Oct. 28, 2021) – Past Olympians and future Olympic hopefuls will come to Minneapolis next summer as the 2022 USA Fencing National Championships and July Challenge will take place at the Minneapolis Convention Center from July 2-11, 2022.

The largest fencing tournament in the world will feature more than 5,000 competitors from nearly all 50 states competing in more than 100 events over 10 days.

"Minneapolis has earned its status as a proven championship-caliber host community and we are thrilled to add to that legacy by hosting USA Fencing’s signature event," said Meet Minneapolis President & CEO and Sports Minneapolis Executive Director Melvin Tennant. "We look forward to welcoming some of the greatest fencers in the world to our city and showcasing everything that Minneapolis has to offer during our wonderful summer season.”

Next year will mark the first time the prestigious season-ending event will take place in Minneapolis. The 2022 Championships will include all three fencing disciplines (epee, foil and saber) with categories for athletes ranging in age from eight to 80-plus years old. The city last hosted a USA Fencing event in 2014.

“We are excited to partner with Sports Minneapolis and the Minneapolis Convention Center to bring thousands of fencing athletes, coaches and fans to the 2022 National Championships and July Challenge,” said USA Fencing Senior Director of Operations Christine Strong-Simmons. “Minneapolis has a great history of hosting marquee events, and I know the local community will enjoy seeing our amazing sport up close.”

Since 2014, Minneapolis has hosted eight United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee-affiliated events: 2014 USA Fencing Division I and Wheelchair National Championships, 2017 USA Volleyball Open National Championships, 2017 USA Volleyball Girls National Championships, 2017-2021 U.S. Open Racquetball Championships, 2019 USA Taekwondo National Championships, and 2020 U.S. Paralympic Team Trials for Swimming, Cycling and Track and Field.

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ABOUT SPORTS MINNEAPOLIS
Sports Minneapolis leads the region in bidding, winning and executing major professional and amateur sporting events that impact the city of Minneapolis and beyond. Sports Minneapolis, a division within Meet Minneapolis, has played a major role in securing events such as the Super Bowl, NCAA Men’s Final Four, Major League Baseball All-Star Game, USA Volleyball National Championships, CONCACAF Gold Cup soccer, X Games and more. Amateur and professional sports events increase visitor spending and tax revenue that benefits the local community.

Sports Minneapolis and its partners, including Minnesota Sports & Events and the University of Minnesota, have secured upcoming major events such as the 2022 NHL Winter Classic, 2022 NCAA Women’s Final Four, 2023 NAGAAA Gay Softball World Series, 2023 NCAA Men’s Swimming & Diving Championships, 2025 NCAA Women’s Frozen Four and 2029 Ryder Cup.

ABOUT THE MINNEAPOLIS CONVENTION CENTER
The Minneapolis Convention Center (MCC) is owned by the City of Minneapolis and marketed through Meet Minneapolis. The 1.6 million square foot facility features 475,000 square feet of exhibit space, a 3,400 fixed-seat auditorium, 87 meeting rooms and two ballrooms. The MCC is GBAC STAR, LEED and GMIC certified and works to serve its constituencies and stakeholders as the face of Minneapolis to visitors. Learn more about the MCC here.

ABOUT USA FENCING
USA Fencing is the recognized National Governing Body for the sport of fencing in the United States. The organization’s mission is to grow and promote the sport of fencing in the United States, honor its rich traditions and achieve sustained competitive international excellence. USA Fencing is affiliated with the Féderation Internationale d'Escrime (FIE), the international federation for fencing. A 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, USA Fencing is based out of Colorado Springs, Colo., and has a membership of more than 40,000 individuals, including grassroots, elite and veteran fencers.

MEDIA CONTACTS
Kevin Kurtt, PR and Communications Manager, 612-767-8118, KevinK@minneapolis.org
Kathy McCarthy, PR and Communications Director, 612-767-8048, KathyM@minneapolis.org
Or email MeetMinneapolisPR@Minneapolis.org