x
Breaking News
More () »

As USA Cup kicks off in Blaine, officials turn their attention to the heat

Tens of thousands of people from all over the world will be at the National Sports Center over the next week.

MINNEAPOLIS — Hundreds of people will be out in the sun and heat this weekend for the Target USA Cup in Blaine.

According to officials at the largest youth soccer tournament in North America, the event can handle the heat.

With 1,200 teams around the world, kids are hoping to bring home some gold. But for their parents baking in the sun, the limited shade on the soccer field is the real gold.

Sara Sara Soli is the Chief Marketing Officer for the National Sport Center, who says that while athletes are making goals, their goal is safety. 

"I think if we can get through this weekend as unscathed as possible, next week's looking cooler, and everybody loves to play soccer in Minnesota in the summer," she said. 

Soli says there are water hydration stations on both sides of the campus to fill up, as well as a fully-staffed medical team. 

She also says there are mandatory water breaks put in place for the team, and if need be, they will shorted the games if it gets hotter. 

On top of precautionary measures, coaches say they are subbing athletes more to give their bodies time to recover. 

The Target USA Cup runs from July 12-20. 

Before You Leave, Check This Out