STORY:
Minneapolis plans $8 million celebration

Minneapolis, Minnesota is putting forth a serious bid to be a 2000 destination. Organizers are planning a six-day, $8 million party that will encompass the Metrodome, the Convention Center and possibly Target Center.

The event is being coordinatated by the Design Group, which has also produced extravaganzas for the 1992 Super Bowl and the 1999 World Figure Skating Championships.

The $8 million celebration will give the Twin Cities two huge millennium-eve parties. St. Paul will play host as usual to A Capital New Year, an alcohol-free event involving performances and fireworks.

"This is an enormous undertaking," Angela Garrett, a spokeswoman for the Design Group told the Associated Press. She said the project would entail family activities, an interactive expo and musical acts "in the vein of Elton John and Billy Joel."

Many groups are asking three to four times what they usually get, which has slowed negotiations, although Garrett said contracts will be signed within about six weeks.

Ticket prices haven't been set for any concerts or for the interactive expo, which will feature movie sets and props, sports memorabilia, science and technology, books and fine arts.

"We want to keep the price affordable so a family can come in," Garrett contined. Net proceeds from the celebration will benefit the not-for-profit Minnesota Alliance with Youth.

DATE: 1/19/99

For more E2000 stories, click here:
news | events | Y2K | today's news

Marketplace
Books
Collectibles
Celebration Supplies
General Merchandise
Travel Packages