'Imagining 2025: Minneapolis in the Future' to Be Focus of This Year's U.S. Bank Skyway Open

MINNEAPOLIS, MN--(Marketwire - Jan 29, 2013) - The future is the focus of the 2013 U.S. Bank Skyway Open, February 22-24, 2013. The world's only skyway-based miniature golf event, hosted by the Downtown Network and benefiting the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities, is in its seventh year. Themed "Imagining 2025: Minneapolis in the Future," local architects and designers will be challenged to create futuristic mini-golf holes that reflect the Twin Cities of tomorrow.

Previously, the theme has ranged from nostalgic ("Retro Minneapolis") to naturalistic ("Minneapolis City by Nature"), so event organizers wanted to do something radically different with this year's design challenge. "We selected this year's theme because the Downtown Network is genuinely energized by the exciting prospects that this city holds -- whether it's from a business, residential or community perspective," said Skyway Open Co-Chairperson Carrie Dahl. "The local architecture and design community have demonstrated amazing ingenuity and creativity in past years. We're confident that this year's theme will inspire them to new and stunning heights."

The Skyway Open has been expanded to three days this year, Friday, February 22^nd through Sunday, February 24^th. "We added Sunday to this year's golf itinerary because we heard from so many people that they wanted one more day of this truly unique golf experience," Skyway Open Co-Chairperson Lorene Fott said. The course will once again encompass a large portion of the Minneapolis Skyway system, including City Center, Gaviidae, the IDS Center, Baker Building, Ameriprise Building, and the Accenture Tower. 

"The Skyway Open is such a fun, unique event and U.S. Bank is thrilled to be a part of it again this year," said Elliot Jaffee, Twin Cities market president for U.S. Bank.

Online registration for golfers of all ages and skill levels is now available through Feb. 21 at SkywayOpen.org. Golf rounds will begin at noon on Friday, Feb. 22 and run through 9 p.m. Friday's festivities will culminate with a 19^th Hole Celebration at 7 pm at the Accenture Tower. The 19^th Hole Celebration, featuring entertainment, complimentary food/drink provided by Devil's Advocate, and more, is presented by Accenture Tower. Additionally, a panel of industry experts from AIA Minneapolis will award prizes to architects for the top three hole designs, based on creativity and design. 

Saturday is "Family Day" with golf starting at 10 a.m. and closing at 6 p.m. Family Day activities include games and skill toys, cookie decorating by Wuollet Bakery, free Candyland popcorn, face painting, and visits by beloved local mascots such as T.C. Bear. Sunday golf, which was added this year, will run from noon to 4 pm, with reduced prices for golfers.

With proceeds going to the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities, the cost for a round of golf on Friday is $140 for a foursome, and includes access to the course and admission to the 19^th Hole Celebration that evening. While Friday golfers must register as foursomes, single admission to that evening's 19^th Hole Celebration are available at $30 in advance, and $35 at the door. Saturday's reduced rates for families are $5 per child, $20 per adult, or $35 per foursome with a minimum of two kids. The cost to golf on Sunday is: $5 per child, $20 per adult, or $35 per foursome with a minimum of two kids, or $60 per foursome.

For more information or to register visit SkywayOpen.org.