8 Reasons to Come to Minneapolis for a Gopher Football Game
College football. It’s what Saturdays in the fall are all about in cities and towns across the nation. And in Minneapolis, we’re fortunate to have a major college football team just steps from downtown at the University of Minnesota.
On fall Saturdays in Minneapolis, there’s no better place to be than at Huntington Bank Stadium – home of the Golden Gopher football team. Opened in 2009, the 50,805-seat stadium is the newest in the Big Ten since 1960 and boasts outstanding sightlines, numerous amenities and one of the largest scoreboards in college sports. There are numerous reasons to visit the U of M for a Gophers game, but here are eight of our favorites.
1. Energetic stadium atmosphere
Few environments can match the aura and pageantry of big-time college football. At the U of M, we throw together a 320-member marching band, cheerleaders, mascot Goldy Gopher, a student section packed with 10,000 energetic fans and exciting Big Ten football to combine for a spectacular on-campus atmosphere. Make sure to find your seats at least 20 minutes before kickoff to see the marching band – The Pride of Minnesota – take the field to John Philip Sousa’s Minnesota March before forming into a “Block M” formation and playing the beloved Minnesota Rouser (psst, join in on spelling out “Minnesota” at the end of the song). From there, the Golden Gopher football team takes the field to the cheers of the maroon and gold faithful. With nine or more wins in each of the last three full seasons and a 58-39 record at Huntington Bank Stadium, there is usually a lot to cheer for when the Gophers compete on the home gridiron. Ski-U-Mah and Go Gophers!
2. Tailgating and pre-game parties
The fun atmosphere for Gopher football home games isn’t exclusive to inside the stadium. Before the game, campus and its surrounding neighborhoods are jam-packed with students, alumni and other fans getting ready to cheer on their favorite team. Students at “the U” pack onto University Avenue where the fraternity tailgating scene draws large and diverse crowds. Meanwhile, at parking lots around the stadium and stretching to spots all over campus – including the school’s St. Paul outpost – tailgating reigns. From simple set-ups with folding chairs and a cooler of beverages to elaborate catered meals with multiple TVs showing live games, Gopher fans know how to tailgate. Don’t have an official tailgating spot on a U of M lot? No problem! Get a tailgating pass and head to East River Flats Park for a lively spot right next to campus and the Mississippi River.
3. Stadium food options are impressive
While at the game, Gopher touchdowns, sacks and first downs are made even better by the Huntington Bank Stadium food and drink options; they're renowned for their variety, flavor and local influence. Enjoy mouth-watering burgers from Parlour; delectable Vietnamese cuisine from Lotus, strawberry shortcake nachos at the Northern Taco stand, Swedish meatball sliders at the Uffda! locations, beer from Surly and other Minnesota breweries, and much more! Huntington Bank Stadium also caters to dietary needs and features various vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options, so everyone can find something they enjoy.
4. You're close to several fun neighborhoods
Looking for an indoor pre-game spot or a place to celebrate a big win? Look no further than the neighborhoods surrounding campus – Dinkytown and Stadium Village. Despite its name and its relatively small footprint, Dinkytown is packed with restaurants and bars that will keep you busy all day long. From Al’s Breakfast in the morning to Mesa Pizza for dinner and Blarney Pub & Grill for late-night fun, there’s no shortage of options in the area. Just a short walk from Dinkytown, Stadium Village boasts numerous venues for Gopher sports, from “the Bank” to Williams Arena, 3M Arena at Mariucci, Maturi Pavilion and Ridder Arena, to name a few. Like Dinkytown, there are plenty of choices for pre- and post-game fun, including longtime Gopher hotspots Sally’s Saloon and Stub and Herbs. Not to be forgotten is the Prospect Park neighborhood – just east of campus. This growing area features a trio of don’t-miss food and beverage destinations: Surly Brewing, O'Shaughnessy Distilling and Market at Malcolm Yards.
5. Getting to the game is easy
Getting to and from the game is a breeze with a plethora of options to get to campus. Driving? Find the best parking spot near the arena/stadium with this handy football parking map or this East Bank campus parking map. Game day parking is available at several ramps and garages on campus, while the State Fairgrounds lot in St. Paul offers tailgating and a free shuttle to and from the stadium. Taking transit instead? Choose from multiple highly accessible routes. By light rail, take the Green Line with direct service to Huntington Bank Stadium at Stadium Village Station, West Bank and East Bank Campuses. By bus, Metro Transit routes 2, 3 or 6 each serve campus. Visit the official Metro Transit website for more information.
6. Family-friendly atmosphere
With Big Ten football action on the field and entertainment on the sideline and in the stands – and the ever-present marching band providing the soundtrack – Gopher football games make for the perfect, family-friendly outing. Kids will love the antics of lovable Goldy Gopher, from his creative costumes during the Halloween season to his willingness to “spin his head” whenever asked. Meanwhile, the U of M Spirit Squad never disappoints with the 21-time national champion dance team and the acrobatic cheer team adding to the atmosphere on game day. Fun fact: The University of Minnesota is widely recognized as having the longest-standing tradition of cheerleading. On Nov. 2, 1898, Johnny Campbell led a squad of six students, called “yell leaders,” to organize chants at a U of M football game. The cheer team still uses Campbell’s original chant today.
7. Lots of things to see and do before and after the game
The entertainment at the U of M isn’t limited to the game. Get in on all of the action on and near campus. There is plenty of fun to be had, whether you want to explore some art and music, or take in more sports. Just across the street, you can catch Gophers basketball games at Williams Arena, volleyball at Maturi Pavilion, or hockey contests at 3M Arena at Mariucci and Ridder Arena. Arts and cultural offerings abound on and off campus, with some of the biggest events taking place at Northrop Auditorium, a 2,700-seat venue for concerts, dance performances and lectures. Nearby, the Weisman Art Museum is a shimmering multi-angular showpiece that overlooks the Mississippi River. Inside the Frank Gehry-designed building, a permanent collection of more than 25,000 pieces highlights modernist works and ceramics as well ancient Native American pottery and traditional Korean furniture. Back on the streets of Dinkytown, the cultural tour continues with a live show at the art deco Varsity Theater. With its intimate, eclectic vibe, rich history and superb acoustics, the Varsity has become one of the most sought-after music venues in the Midwest.
8. Comfortable places to stay
Coming to town for a Gopher game? There are some great options around campus. Days Hotel by Wyndham University is just steps from Huntington Bank Stadium and many other athletic venues, not to mention all the restaurants and bars of Stadium Village. Located right on the light rail's Green Line, affordable stays at Days Hotel on University include free WiFi and hot breakfast. No diploma is required to stay on campus at Graduate Minneapolis. The character-filled boutique hotel showcases Gophers pride and Minnesotan touches throughout, including headboards and lamps printed with fishing scenes. A Topgolf Swing Suite allows guests to get their golf game on, and on-site The Beacon pours creative cocktails like the Minnesota Nice with gin, peach puree and lemongrass simple syrup. University Inn caters to those seeking both short and extended stays, offering kitchenettes and mini-fridges in every studio apartment-style room. Guests also love the free parking and 24-hour fitness center.
