We’re thrilled to host the 2025 Summer Games at the University of Minnesota! With the excitement of the USA Games coming to town in 2026, there will be no SOMN Summer Games that year. That’s why 2025 is such a special opportunity—we’re committed to delivering an unforgettable, top-tier experience for all SOMN athletes while also setting the stage for an incredible USA Games next year.
Sports
- Basketball (full court and half court)
- Gymnastics
- Swimming
- Track & field
Additional events & activities
There is so much to do at Summer Games! Go check out the fun activations and games in Athlete Village, receive free health screenings (no insurance needed!) at Healthy Athletes, join us at Celebration Ceremonies on Friday night and tear up the dance floor on Saturday night.
Along with facilities being within walking distance of each other, accessible shuttles will be provided to navigate campus throughout the entire Summer Games weekend. Learn more on the Parking & Shuttles page.
Team sport schedules have been sent to the Heads of Delegation for each team. For the safety and privacy of our athletes, we do not post individual sport schedules online. However, there is a list of daily events on each sport’s landing page. If you need to find out when a specific athlete competes, check with their team’s Head of Delegation or head coach.
Coaches pick up their team’s credentials (along with other paperwork) at each sport venue during Summer Games.
Athletes must choose one sport to compete in for the weekend.
Please note this year State Unified Basketball and Individual Skills are on June 7 at Shakopee High School. This means if an athlete is competing in Unified Basketball or Individual Skills on June 7, they can also compete in another sport over the Summer Games weekend, since this follows our one sport per weekend policy.
Yes, since those competitions are on different weekends. The athlete would still need to have qualified through regional participation for any sport that they wish to compete in at state.
Examples:
- An athlete competes in both individual skills and swimming events.
- A Unified partner competes in both Unified full court basketball and Unified track & field events.
Breakfasts will be available for registered athletes, Unified partners and coaches staying overnight at the dorm. Contact your team’s Head of Delegation for more information.
Lunches are available at each sport venue for registered individuals (athletes, Unified partners, coaches). Meal tickets are printed on the credentials provided by the teams’ Heads of Delegations. No additional meal tickets will be available for purchase.
Dinner will be served on Friday and Saturday evenings, prior to the Celebration Ceremonies (Friday) and the dance (Saturday). All dinner reservations have been submitted. No additional dinner tickets are available.
Friday, June 20 – 5:30 PM
Northrup Auditorium, 84 Church St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455
Best parking option: Fourth Street Ramp, 1625 4th St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455
Saturday, June 21 – 5:30 PM
Athlete Village, UMN Lot 37, 1811 5th Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455
Best parking option: Maroon Lot & Gold Lot, 2010 6th Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455
Friday June 20
10:30 AM-1:30 PM
Basketball: Field House
Track & field: Track & Field Stadium parking lot
Saturday June 21
10:30 AM-1:30 PM
Basketball: Field House
Swimming: Field House
Gymnastics: Maturi Pavillion Courtside Clubroom
Track & field: Track & Field Stadium parking lot
Sunday June 22
10:30 AM-1:30 PM
Basketball: Field House
Swimming: Field House
Track & field: Track & Field Stadium parking lot
Concessions will be available throughout the weekend at all four venues. Concession stands at all locations during 2025 Summer Games will NOT accept cash and will only accept credit cards, debit cards and Apple or Google Play.
There are also multiple restaurants in proximity.
All Summer Games venues have refillable water stations. In addition, concessions will be available for purchase, and Athlete Village will have beverages as well.
Celebration Ceremonies will take place on the evening of Friday, June 20, at Northrop Auditorium. Doors are scheduled to open at 6:30 PM, with Ceremonies commencing at 7 PM. Teams and volunteers are invited to join us for fun, games and a celebration of the inclusion revolution!
Our Healthy Athletes program offers free health screenings and education to Special Olympics athletes at events throughout the year, including Summer Games. Athletes receive incentives for participating in the screenings. Healthy Athletes will be offering the following screenings over the course of the weekend:
- Opening Eyes
- Special Smiles
- Healthy Hearing
- Fun Fitness
- Strong Minds
- Health Promotion
Screenings will take place in the Field House at the University of Minnesota.
With a large event footprint at the University of Minnesota, we’ve put thoughtful plans in place to make parking and transportation as smooth as possible. Designated parking areas and convenient shuttle services will be available throughout the event. Learn more on the Parking & Shuttles page.
Delegations are charged a tournament fee for each registered participant attending the games. Spectators are always free and encouraged to attend!
Dorms are available for teams in Areas 1-10 who choose to stay on campus. This decision was made by each team’s Head of Delegation. Reach out to your coach or HOD for your team’s lodging plans.
Due to limited space at this year’s track & field venue, we are not able to accommodate team tents.
Certified Service Animals are permitted to be in attendance at Summer Games. However, all other animals, including Emotional Support Animals, are not allowed at Special Olympics Competitions. We acknowledge and appreciate the value that Emotional Support Animals bring, but this guideline is rooted in prioritizing the health and safety of all individuals present.
We would love to have you volunteer with us! See all available shifts
Yes! You can view the map on the Venue map page.
View accessibility details—including accessible entrances, accessible bathrooms, adult changing rooms, etc.—on the University of Minnesota’s website.
No. All qualifying events for basketball, gymnastics, swimming and track & field took place in 2024.
