Bingham Cup 2010

Frequently Asked Questions

Travel

Q: Which airport should I use for flights to Minneapolis?

A: Thirteen commercial passenger airlines service the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport; 9 are located at the Lindbergh Terminal, which service the national airlines (Delta, United, etc) and 4 are located at the Humphrey Terminal, which service regional carriers (Air Tran, Southwest, Sun Country)

These airport terminals are located next to each other and are connected via the light rail commuter train (which also runs direct to downtown Minneapolis).

Q: Are any airlines offering discounted fairs?

A: Delta Air Lines is offering discounted airfares to Bingham Cup attendees. Use your Ticket Designator/File Number to purchase your tickets and your negotiated discount may be applied. Individuals and meeting planners may call 1-800-328-1111 for reservations and ticketing assistance.

Use code NM544 when booking your ticket to receive the discounted rate.

Q: Where are the tournament “host hotels” located?

A: We have contracted with two hotels in the heart of downtown Minneapolis

These hotels are across the street from each other, provide excellent accommodations and are connected via skyway. Centrally located, they are walking distance from numerous restaurants, theaters, nightlife and Minneapolis gay bars.

All planned tournament transportation will originate at these locations.

Q: How can I get from the Airport to the host hotel?

A: Two options exist for transportation from the airport:

• TAXI CABS are available 24 hours/7 days from both the Lindberg and Humphrey terminals. Taxi fare from the airport to the hotel will range between $40 - $50 USD, but may fluctuate depending on traffic and wait time.
• LIGHT RAIL (Hiawatha Line) runs daily, between 5am and 1am. Trains leave every 5 – 15 minutes from both airports, depending on the time of day. The fare is $1.75 - $2.25/person and is, in our opinion, the best alternative.

Q: Will I need a car in the city?

A: The hotels are centrally located to nightlife, restaurants and city activity. Many activities are within walking distance and the city is easy to get around on foot.

The tournament will be held at the National Sports Center (NSC) but bus transportation to/from the NSC will be provided to participants (and those who purchased non-participant passes).

Q: Where can I exchange currency (US Dollars)?

A: Currency exchange services are available at the Lindbergh Terminal at Travelex, between Doors 5 and 6 in the ticketing lobby.

In addition, the hotels are blocks away from several national banks (Wells Fargo, US Bank, TCF, etc), who offer currency exchange services. Please note: all bank locations will more than likely charge a fee for these services.

Minneapolis – The City

Q: What will the weather be like in June?

A: Average High = 79 degrees F; Average Low = 58 degrees F. June is usually the rainiest month and thunderstorms can be frequent. However, toward the end of the month (June 17 – 20), the worst is usually over and Minneapolis starts warming to July temps in the mid 80s.

Q: Is the city safe at night?

A: Minneapolis is a great city and is generally considered a “safe place” to be out and about at all hours. The city has been awarded the moniker “Minnesota Nice” because of the approachability and friendliness of its residents. However, just as with any other large, metropolitan city, be sure to be aware of your surroundings and exercise caution at all times.

Q: Where should I eat; are there a variety of restaurants?

A: The hotels are located between Nicollet Mall and Hennepin Avenue. Both streets offer several varieties of food, all well within walking distance.

In addition, Minneapolis is home to “Eat Street”, which offers over 100 restaurants of any cuisine. A cab ride will cost you less than $10 USD and will get you a taste of anything.

Q: What bars / gay bars are available in the city?

A: Minneapolis has several gay bars, all expecting crowds for the tournament. The Minneapolis bars are all a short walk from the host hotels and popular with the natives. Downtown Minneapolis is also known for its great outdoor bars and restaurants for all crowds, gay and straight. Hundreds of opportunities present themselves and any member of the Minneapolis Mayhem RFC or volunteer staff will point in the right direction.

More information will be provided on parties/events associated with the Bingham tournament, but you can also check with www.outintwincities.com to get more specifics on the bar scene.

Q: What else is there to do in Minneapolis?

A: There is a plethora of options in our fair city. Minneapolis has the largest number of theaters, per capita, in the United States. (Yes, per capita, more than New York!). We are home to the Mall Of America, the largest indoor mall in the United States. Throw in some world class art museums, a few nationally renowned buildings and the signature outdoor sculpture gardens and options abound for those who want to extend their visit and enjoy the city.

MOST NOTABLY, Twin Cities PRIDE will be held the following weekend; June 25 – June 27!!! Our PRIDE is one of the largest and is a central draw for the entire Midwest gay population; over 300,000 people converge on Hennepin Ave and Loring Park in downtown.

Bingham – Tournament and Misc

Q: How will I get to the pitch?

A: Transportation to/from the National Sports Center (NSC) will be provided throughout the day, originating from the host hotels. Specific times will be posted and available closer to the tournament.

Q: Will there be medical facilities available?

A: Trainers will be available at the pitch to assist with taping, pre-game prep (please bring your own supplies) and minor injuries. Medical personnel will also be available at the NSC for more serious medical issues. In the most serious cases, there is a hospital 5 minutes from the NSC with full medical facilities.

Q: Is there a drug store / pharmacy near by?

A: There are several national pharmacy chains (Target, Walgreens, etc) on Nicollet Mall, only blocks away from the hotel.

Q: Which teams are coming to Bingham 2010?

A: As of January 2010, the following teams are registered for the Bingham Cup (in NO particular order):

In addition, non-affiliated/at-large players are also registering and will be added to participating clubs to fill out their rosters.