No Section

Downtown Minneapolis plaza to host polar plunge next week

The fundraiser on the U.S. Bank Plaza will benefit Special Olympics.

By Paul Walsh

February 3, 2017 at 4:07AM

Lake Calhoun was where the action was in February 2014. This year’s plunge will be held downtown on U.S. Bank Plaza — with a swimming pool. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

The heart of downtown Minneapolis will be the scene of a pair of polar plunges next week, with an aboveground pool providing the frigid waters.

In a fundraiser for Special Olympics Minnesota, the pool will be set on U.S. Bank Plaza and then filled with water by the Minneapolis Fire Department before hardy participants satisfy their thrill to chill on Feb. 9.

From there, a happy hour is being hosted for the brave participants at the nearby Atlas Bar and Grill.

Representatives from the Twins, Wild, Timberwolves, Vikings and the United soccer team will take the first leaps at noon along with registrants. A second go-around is scheduled for 4 to 6 p.m.

The money raised benefits more than 8,200 Special Olympics Minnesota athletes as they train for various competitions.

Registration is $75 and available online at plungemn.org.