MINNEAPOLIS, MN — Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey is eyeing the City Center complex along Nicollet Mall as a possible site for a new Timberwolves and Lynx arena, Axios reported Thursday.
Axios described City Center as "mostly vacant" and reported that the property’s owner has put the downtown complex up for sale.
The site sits along Nicollet Mall, which Axios described as "struggling." Frey did not confirm to the outlet that he is actively pitching the site to team officials, but he made clear he likes the idea.
"You are right — I really like the site," Frey told Axios. "I see the ability to literally march down Nicollet Mall to games and concerts and have a full pedestrian experience."
Target Center opened in 1990 and is now one of the older arenas in the NBA, even after a major renovation that wrapped up in 2017.
The arena has been criticized for lacking the modern revenue-generating features teams now seek, including a larger surrounding entertainment district, newer premium spaces, and more control over nearby development.
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