Airbnb's Twin Cities Community 'Explodes' Ahead Of Super Bowl

Airbnb says its Twin Cities host growth is far exceeding expectations ahead of Super Bowl 52. In February, the short-term rental platform launched a special project aimed at expanding the number of houses and apartments available for rent in the metro area.

"PROJECT 612" set out to double the number of hosts in the Twin Cities from 1,000 to 2,000 by Feb. 4, 2018. Nearly two months out from the Super Bowl, there are now 2,650 active Airbnb hosts in Minneapolis and Saint Paul combined, according to the company.

Based on current growth rates and the "dearth" of available hotel rooms, Airbnb says the metro's host community may end up tripling to 3,000 by February.

"With Airbnb plans to release a final economic impact report in January just prior to the Feb. 4 Super Bowl.

Photo credit: In this April 19, 2016, file photo, Airbnb co-founder and CEO Brian Chesky speaks during an event in San Francisco. Airbnb is following up its Super Bowl ad on Feb. 5, 2017, calling for acceptance with a campaign to provide short-term housing over the next five years for 100,000 people in need. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu, File)