Your Guide to the WNBA All-Star Game in Minneapolis
Welcome to the home of the 2018 Verizon WNBA All-Star Game! Also home to the Minnesota Lynx, four-time WNBA champions, Minneapolis has everything a sports fan needs.
Between fan votes, team captains and no conference affiliations, this year presents an all new game format. Purchase your tickets, pick your favorite team and settle in to the newly remodeled Target Center for a game that you won't want to miss.
To make the most out of your All-Star Game experience, don't worry about driving home. Make a weekend out of it! It's more fun when you sleep over (we promise). Be sure to check out the best hotel deals plus summer events and things to do during your weekend getaway.
How to Get Tickets
No need to pay an arm and a leg for a chance to see the WNBA's best players face off. Buy tickets online for $20-$40!
Events for Ticket Holders and Fans
There is no official fan festival to let loose at, but that doesn't mean you're staying in!
Game Day Ticket Holders:
- Sit court-side at the All-Star practice on Friday, July 27th at Target Center. From 1:00-3:00pm, scout out your favorite old and new players during their pre-game practice session. Doors open at noon.
- Enjoy the suspense of the halftime WNBA Three-Point Contest. Participating All-Stars include title defender, Allie Quigley of the Chicago Sky. The 6-player contest also features Indiana Fever’s Kelsey Mitchell, the Atlanta Dream’s Renee Montgomery, Seattle Storm’s Jewell Loyd, the Las Vegas Aces’ Kayla McBride and the Washington Mystics’ Kristi Toliver.
(The WNBA Three-Point Contest will be televised live during halftime of Verizon WNBA All-Star 2018, which will air nationally on ABC at 3:30 p.m. ET.)
Fans:
- Step out for the "orange carpet", where the All-Stars will enter the Lexus Courtside Club at Target Center for their private reception. It is expected to start around 5:30pm.
Other:
- Sadly not open to the public, but still awesome enough to mention, the WNBA All-Stars will be hosting a youth basketball clinic late Thursday and early Friday for a couple hundred youth. These All-Stars are living the dream while motivating kids to continue to follow theirs - that's pretty rad.
Players to Watch
This year's All-Star format eliminates the East Coast vs West Coast line and instead is allowing the top two vote-getters to serve as captains and select their teams. Here are the All-Stars you should keep an eye on from each team.
Team Delle Donne:
Sue Bird – Sue is a living legend. Recently she set the record for most games played in the WNBA with 500. She will make even more history this year by playing in her 11th All-Star game; the most games by any player in WNBA history.
A’ja Wilson – The No. 1 overall pick in the 2017 draft is already making waves by being selected to her first All-Star Game. She is the only rookie to make this year’s roster.
Team Parker:
Maya Moore – The reigning MVP from the last two WNBA All-Star games will back to reclaim her title. The 4X WNBA champion, 2X Olympic champion and recent Best WNBA Player ESPY winner will definitely be the one to watch on the court.
Chiney & Nneka Ogwumike – These dynamic sisters will play side by side on Team Parker. This will be Nneka’s 5th All-Star appearance; she has been selected to every WNBA All-Star Game played during her career. While Chiney is back to play in her 2nd All-Star game since her rookie season in 2014.
Getting Around:
Food & Drink Spots Near the Target Center
Whether you want to grab lunch before the game or feeling celebratory afterwards, you've got a ton of options around you.
- Kieran’s Irish Pub: Bustling hangout with draft beers, pub fare and live Irish music – patio!
- City Works: Hip American eatery with a big beer menu
- The Depot Tavern: Converted Greyhound station to an American pub featuring tavern food and a full bar
- O’Donovans Irish Pub: Classic Irish pub with comfort fare and a wide beer selection – patio!
- Cowboy Jack’s Downtown Minneapolis: Lively tavern with American eats and music
- Rock Bottom Brewery: Upmarket brewpub with American fare
- The Loon Café: Sports bar known for its chili
- Brothers Bar & Grill: Lively sports bar and casual eats
- Lyon’s Pub: UK inspired haunt with bar bites
- Gluek’s: German brews, pub grub and historic space
- Fogo de Chao: Upmarket Brazilian churrascaria
- Union Bar & Grill: American cuisine with a spacious bar and skyline views – rooftop patio
- CRAVE: American fare, sushi and rooftop seating
- 508 Bar & Restaurant: Vibrant 2-story hangout with casual fare
- Murray’s: Long-running destination for steaks and signature cocktails
- The Capital Grille: Upscale steakhouse chain with classic American fare and a clubby vibe
- 112 Eatery: Groumet comfort food in a lively setting
- Pizza Luce: Relaxed pick for creative pies and beer
Other Events While You're in Town:
July 27-28th, 2018
11:00am-10:00pm
West River Road N. & 17th Ave. N
July 27th, 2018
6:00-9:00pm
Minnesota Zoo
Explore the Area:
There's so much to see in Minneapolis. While you are in the city make sure to check out some of these other fun activities.
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