MINNEAPOLIMEDIA NEWS | National Flag Football Championship Comes to Blaine as Twin Cities Host Gay Bowl for First Time

Teams representing LGBTQ+ flag football leagues from around the country are gathering at the National Sports Center in Blaine for the October 8–11 Gay Bowl championship.

BLAINE, MN (October 8, 2026).

The Twin Cities will host the Gay Bowl national flag football championship for the first time beginning Thursday, bringing teams and players from across the country to the National Sports Center in Blaine for four days of competition.

The tournament is organized within the National Gay Flag Football League, a network of leagues that provides opportunities for LGBTQ+ athletes and allies to participate in competitive recreational football.

This year's championship runs October 8 through October 11 and marks a significant event for Minnesota's LGBTQ+ sports community, which will welcome visiting athletes, supporters and teams representing leagues from around the United States.

The National Sports Center provides a large multi-field setting suited to a tournament involving numerous teams and divisions. Its selection also places the North Metro at the center of an event with national participation.

The Gay Bowl combines competitive football with the broader goal of creating inclusive athletic environments. For many participants, the tournament offers the opportunity to compete at a high level while participating in a sporting community where LGBTQ+ identity is openly welcomed.

Hosting the championship can also bring visitors into surrounding communities, supporting hotels, restaurants and other businesses during the tournament period.

The event provides another example of how Minnesota's extensive sports infrastructure can support national competitions beyond professional and major collegiate athletics.

For Blaine and the North Metro, the arrival of the Gay Bowl represents an opportunity to welcome athletes who may be visiting the region for the first time while showcasing facilities that regularly host tournaments and other large sporting events.

The championship continues through Sunday, October 11.

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