North Loop Field Day for Grown-Ups!
Remember the joy of Field Day in elementary school? The anticipation of racing your classmates, the thrill of hearing your team cheer, and the pride of crossing the finish line—even if you were balancing an egg on a spoon instead of winning Olympic gold?
Now imagine all of that, but with your friends, neighbors or co-workers in the beauty of the James I. Rice field in North Loop!
On Saturday, August 15, North Loop Field Day brings back that childhood fun with a grown-up twist. Thirty-four teams of four will compete across 15 events, from nostalgic favorites like the egg-on-a-spoon race, wheelbarrow race, and tug-of-war to crowd-pleasing competitions including the water balloon toss, hula hoop contest, long jump, limbo and more. North Loop’s Fowling Warehouse is even bringing a pop-up version of fowling (think football + bowling) for teams to try!
This could be you! And your friends! And your neighbors! Let’s go!
“Competition doesn’t always have to be serious, what if it was just plain fun?” asked Scott Woller, NLNA board member, who has long dreamed of hosting Field Day for the neighborhood. “North Loop Field Day is all about bringing out your playful side!”
Maybe you want to re-live your school-kid glory, or make up for that time you tripped in front of your whole class (sorry if this is triggering!). Or perhaps you’re the parent who always organized Field Day? Well, this is your chance to join in the fun!
How It Works
The action will move quickly. Each event includes one minute for instructions and five minutes of competition. When the horn sounds, teams will rotate to the next challenge. Along the way, teams will stop at two refreshment stations hosted by North Loop gyms, where you can grab drinks and energy bars before jumping back into the action. Fulton Taproom is generously providing discount coupons for thirsty athletes after the action is finished.
Don’t have a team? No problem! Register and we’ll match you with other awesome participants to create a team of four.
And because no childhood Field Day was complete without a keepsake, every team will receive an obligatory participation trophy or ribbon to add to your childhood collection!
“No pressure! Everyone’s a winner!” assured Woller. “Showing up and having fun deserves to be celebrated!”
Many thanks to our North Loop fitness centers!
North Loop Gyms Are In!
Five North Loop gyms are co-sponsoring Field Day along with the NLNA. The Grind, Basecamp Fitness, ALTR, Orangetheory Fitness and Farrell’s North Loop will all field their own teams to give the event an extra athletic vibe.
“The North Loop is home to one of the most diverse fitness communities in the Twin Cities – from boutique studios to strength gyms to yoga and cycling,” said Kyle Ingebrigtson, NLNA board member and Business Engagement Chair. “Field Day is a chance to celebrate that energy, and we’re thrilled to partner with our local gyms to bring this community event to life!”
Event Details:
When: Saturday, August 15. Check-in starts at 9am, the games begin at 10am and finish around 11:30. Stick around for your trophies and ribbons!
Where: The field at James Rice Park is the big open green space across from Vesi Apartments, with a parking lot off West River Road near Plymouth Ave. N.
Sign up to participate: Individuals can participate for $15; a team of four is $50. You can register and pay through this link. We’ll send you a waiver and other info. Grab your teammates, channel your inner fifth grader, and join us!
Sign up to volunteer: We also need referees and other volunteers! If that’s more your thing, please sign up to volunteer here. And thank you!
See you on August 15!
— By Mary Binkley, NLNA President