Not since Thanksgiving of 1994 has D14 been awarded the opportunity to host one of the ACBL's three NABCs during the year. But July 9 to 19 of 2026, we'll be hosting the Summer NABC in Minneapolis. It promises to be historical, but more importantly, FUN for everyone in attendance!
Scroll down on this page to find out more about how to get there - what to do when you ARE there - the playing schedule - the playing venue - and much more. Make your plans this summer to be a part of the action.
Here is a quick look at what to expect when you're heading to Minneapolis for the big party.
The host hotels and their positioning next to the Minneapolis Convention Center playing area. Each of the hotels is connected by a skyway, so even if it happens to be super humid outside you can walk to and from your hotel room in air-conditioned comfort. The ACBL's Hotel reservation partners closed up shop as of June 15th; if you still need to make a hotel reservation you should contact the hotel directly.
Here's a map of the Minneapolis Convention Center that outlines the playing area for this summer's NABC. All of the NABC+ events will be held on the main floor, in Ballrooms A and B. The Regionally-rated events (pretty much everything else) will be held in Exhibit Hall A which is two floors down. There are elevators and escalators for your convenience - and stairs if you'd like to get some steps in.
Check out the NABC playing schedule. During these 11 days in July, you'll find everything from expert-dominated NABC+ events to collegiate bridge bowl games to Gold Rush games along with everything else in between. This is an event where there really is something for everyone, no matter what your experience level. Click on the schedule to your left to open it in a new window and expand it for better viewing.
Click on the image to your left to find out more about games for newer players at the NABC! There are free games for players with less than 5 masterpoints, and guest membership players from Minnesota can have their respective Minnesota bridge unit reimburse them for the cost of a one-year ACBL membership. Nothing beats free. Details to your left..
Click on the image to your left to find out more about the quick guide to the Minneapolis Convention Center while attending the NABC in Minneapolis.
Click on the chart to your left to find out more about parking options while attending the NABC in Minneapolis. NOTE that the Blue Line light rail system will be down this summer - that typically takes players from the airport to downtown Minneapolis. But not to worry, as they will have plenty of extra buses running in place of the Blue Line - including express buses that will whisk you downtown fast.
Every bridge player in D14 (Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Nebraska) will get $10 each entry by using the ACBL's Entry Express. Find out more about how to use Entry Express and save some dough by clicking on the image to your left. This discount is also available to all bridge players staying in one of the host hotels. Entry Express is open for game reservations on June 29th at noon, Minneapolis time.
There is a free bus that runs around downtown Minneapolis - and you can travel anywhere within the downtown area for fifty cents. Coming from the airport? Transportation options can be found here or click on the image to your left. NOTE The Blue Line light rail system is down this summer for maintenance - but extra buses are in service to get you to the bridge table.
About that free bus service around downtown Minneapolis - click on the image to your left to have a look at options for getting around town on the free bus. Or anywhere in the CBD for just fifty cents!
There are dozens and dozens of terrific restaurants throughout Minneapolis, and the recently-issued NABC Schedule and Restaurant Guide lists most of them. From high-end to specialty take-out and everything inbetween, click on the image to your left for a look at help in planning your eating adventures during the NABC. NOTE: "Restaurant Week" with slightly smaller portions and significantly smaller prices takes place July 13-19. Menus and restaurants can be found by clicking here.
There's so much to do in the Twin Cities when you're not at the bridge table, but one of the perks of playing at this NABC is that you've got access to discounted Minnesota Twins tickets. Click on the icon to your left to get to the discounted Twins tickets page for ACBL players. The weather should be perfect for a ball game!
Much, much more information can be found on the ACBL's NABC page. Visit it - followed by a visit with your bridge-playing partners - and then plan to visit Minneapolis in July.
