Sports officials in the Northern Marianas say they have the edge in facilities needed for the 2017 Pacific Mini Games.
The tussle to host the games is between the CNMI, Nauru and Vanuatu.
The Northern Marianas Amateur Sport Association's president, Michael White, says the CNMI already has most of the facilities in place.
He says the Oleai Sport complex can host the athletics, football and opening and closing ceremonies.
Our correspondent in CNMI says they see Vanuatu as their most serious competitor.
It has Korman Stadium, which was used when Vanuatu last hosted the event in 1993, but it's deteriorated since then.
Vanuatu is also planning eight new facilities to house the 14 sports on offer.
