MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL, MN – Treasure Island Resort & Casino, in partnership with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx, unveiled a refurbished outdoor court for the Prairie Island Indian Community in Welch, MN.
Unveiled on Indigenous Peoples’ Day, the event featured remarks from Prairie Island Tribal Council Vice President Lu Taylor, Prairie Island Indian Community member and former Division 1 women’s basketball player Tesha Buck, Timberwolves and Lynx Chief Operating Officer Ryan Tanke, and Timberwolves and Lynx Vice President of Basketball Development John Thomas. The renovated court will serve community members and host a variety of local activities.
“We recognize with the Prairie Island Indian Community the power that sport has in bridging communities,” said Ethan Casson, Timberwolves and Lynx CEO. “We’ve been fortunate to have a long-standing and committed partner in Treasure Island Resort & Casino and celebrate our 20+ years partnership and this new court that will serve many in the years to come.”
“Thank you to our wonderful partner, the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx, for their commitment to bettering our community by providing our youth a safe and enjoyable place to play,” said Shelley Buck, Prairie Island Indian Community Tribal Council President. “We have a responsibility and an obligation to look out for the next seven generations, and there is no better way to do that than by focusing on our kids and making sure they have what they need to be successful. Our partnership with the Timberwolves and Lynx gives us a platform to share our story and celebrate our culture with a broader audience that otherwise may never get authentic exposure to the rich history and culture of Minnesota’s Native American tribes.”
Following the refurbished court unveil, the Timberwolves and Lynx Basketball Academy broke in the court with community members along with Wolves alum Troy Hudson and Lynx player Rachel Banham. Crunch and Prowl, the Timberwolves’ and Lynx’s mascots, were also a part of the festivities and interacted with kids and attendees while playing games.
New this season, the Wolves and Lynx and Treasure Island Resort & Casino renewed their contract, naming Treasure Island Resort & Casino a Founding Level Partner and the teams’ exclusive casino and gaming partner. The partnership entitles Treasure Island Resort & Casino to naming rights – “Club TI” and the Premium Level at Target Center. Treasure Island Resort & Casino will continue to be the presenting partner for Native American Heritage Night, which will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 17 vs. the Sacramento Kings. Both teams and Treasure Island Resort & Casino will work together to expand cultural inclusion programming and activations throughout the year, including a PSA focused on cultural inclusion and anti-bullying, Timberwolves and Lynx Basketball Academy camps and clinics within the Prairie Island Indian Community, employee volunteer opportunities working with the Prairie Island Indian Community, and educational incentives for students to receive VIP experiences at Timberwolves and Lynx games.