Ep. 9: Minnesota: A Land of Sporting Legends

So Much More, A Mall of America® Podcast

Minnesota has long been home to legendary sports figures (think Harmon Killebrew, Kirby Puckett, Neal Broten, Paul Molitor, Cindy Nelson, Fran Tarkenton, Lindsay Whalen, Randy Moss and so many more), but is has also played host to legendary sporting events and championships. Everything from two Super Bowls to World Series playoff games, to championship hockey, to the Ryder Cup, to skiing and more.

This episode featuring three dynamic leaders in the Twin Cities, Wendy Williams Blackshaw of MN Sports and Events, Tanya Dreesen of the Minnesota Vikings and Jill Renslow of Mall of America talk about how the community pulls together to attract these iconic events. They share personal stories of the hard work and excitement surrounding hosting massive, international events in Minnesota.

The fast-paced conversation covers successful past events, what is coming as well as how the community works to create and build state-of-the-art sporting facilities that help to attract world-class events and athletes. Wendy, Tanya and Jill also talk about the unique challenges faced by female leaders in a male-dominated profession.

Whether you are a sporting fan or simply want to learn more about community collaboration, this episode is sure to provide valuable things to consider.

Guest: Wendy Williams Blackshaw, CEO & President of Minnesota Sports and Events; Tanya Dreesen, Vice President of Partnership Activation, Events & Special Projects at Minnesota Vikings Football, LLC
Hosts: Jill Renslow

Presented by the Bloomington Convention and Visitors Bureau the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.