National Sports Center in Blaine weighs expansion for baseball

 The 600-acre campus in Blaine already draws millions to a variety of sports events, and a study will determine if new growth is feasible.




Beginning Friday, the Western Hemisphere's largest international youth soccer tournament plays out on 52 soccer fields at the National Sports Center in Blaine.
As more than 14,000 soccer players from 958 soccer teams representing 22 states and 16 countries run, dribble and kick their way to on-field glory in the Schwan's USA Cup, developers will design plans, make contacts and crunch numbers to see whether adding 16 to 24 baseball fields to the 600-acre campus makes dollars and sense.
Adding America's pastime would mark the center's first significant expansion of playing field space since 2006. Opened 22 years ago amid big dreams of attracting the Olympics and star athletes, it's expected to generate $13 million in revenue this year and attract 4 million visitors through its less-spectacular but more reliable niche as youth and amateur sports mecca.
Consultants Conventions, Sports & Leisure International will spend two months examining the feasibility of developing a large baseball/softball complex at the NSC's site near the heart of the north metro suburb that already boasts 52 soccer fields, eight ice rinks, a velodrome, soccer stadium and the National Youth Golf Center.


National Sports Center in Blaine weighs expansion for baseball | StarTribune.com