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Ultimate Guide to Minnesota Game Days at U.S. Bank Stadium

Football season in Minnesota brings incredible energy to Minneapolis and the greater Twin Cities. Centered around U.S. Bank Stadium, game days offer tailgating, lively sports bars, and several ways to get around downtown. Whether you are a local fan or traveling to watch your team, a little planning makes game day easier.
Our team at MINNeSTAY rounded up local options for a Vikings weekend, including where to tailgate, where to watch the game on a big screen, how to plan parking, and what families can do near the stadium.
We hope you will make your trip a MINNeSTAY at one of our vacation rental properties around the Twin Cities. Let’s go, Vikings!

Where to Find the Best Game Day Tailgating

Tailgating space around U.S. Bank Stadium is limited. The Vikings currently sell official tailgating passes only as season-long packages, not as single-game passes. Confirm that your group has access before game day and review the official tailgating rules before you pack.

Official Tailgating Access and Parking

  • Tailgating access: Official passes are limited and sold for the season. The Vikings do not currently offer direct single-game tailgating passes.
  • General parking: The Vikings use ParkWhiz as an official prepaid parking partner. Inventory and prices change by game and facility.

Important Tailgating Rules

  • Use your assigned space: Tailgating is limited to one parking space and the area directly behind it. Do not block neighboring spaces or drive aisles.
  • Pack within the rules: The Vikings prohibit wood-fueled open fires, glass containers, kegs, deep fryers, large furniture, overnight parking, and pets other than service animals.
  • Check facility hours: The Vikings parking guide says facilities open up to six hours before a game, but not before 7 a.m., and close three hours after the game or at midnight, whichever comes first. Individual facilities may set their own hours.
The Vikings list permit parking at the 511 Surface Lot and Ramp, 1010 Ramp, Downtown East Ramp, HCMC Ramp, and Stadium Parking Garage. Availability changes, so use the official Vikings parking page when planning your trip.
The Commons: This public green space sits beside the stadium and hosts scheduled events throughout the year. Game-day programming varies, so check current Vikings and Minneapolis Park Board information before relying on a specific activation.

Top Sports Bars Near U.S. Bank Stadium

Downtown Minneapolis has several places to meet before or after the game. Check each venue’s hours, event schedule, and route from the stadium before leaving.
  • Day Block Brewing Company: A downtown brewpub serving house beer, pizza, sandwiches, salads, and bar snacks, with live music and events on select dates.
  • The Crooked Pint Ale House: A Minnesota sports-bar option known for its tap list and Juicy Lucy burgers. Confirm the current Minneapolis location before planning your route.
  • O’Donovan’s Irish Pub: A downtown Irish pub offering beer, whiskey, cocktails, food, and event space. Plan your trip between the pub and stadium with current transit information.

Game Day Parking Options

Parking near the stadium fills quickly and traffic changes on event days. Reserve ahead or use transit when possible.
  • Prepaid parking: Use the Vikings parking page to review current ParkWhiz inventory and event-day instructions.
  • Downtown ramps: The Vikings list several permit ramps near the stadium. Availability, entry points, and hours vary by game.
  • METRO transit: The Blue and Green light-rail lines serve U.S. Bank Stadium Station. Metro Transit’s trip planner provides current schedules and service alerts.

Kid-Friendly Activities Near U.S. Bank Stadium

A Vikings weekend can include more than the game. These nearby options give families room to explore before kickoff or the next morning.
The Commons: The public park sits across from the stadium and offers open green space. Scheduled events and game-day activities vary by date.
Mill City Museum: Built into the ruins of a historic flour mill, the museum offers the Flour Tower elevator show, Water and Baking Labs, a Minneapolis history film, and riverfront views from its observation deck.
Light-rail explorations: The Blue Line connects U.S. Bank Stadium with the Mall of America, where families can visit Nickelodeon Universe and the SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium. Check schedules and attraction hours before your trip.

Make It a MINNeSTAY Weekend

Turn game day into a full weekend by booking a property through MINNeSTAY. Our portfolio includes urban lofts, downtown condos, and homes throughout Minneapolis and the surrounding metro. Choose a property based on your group size and preferred route to the stadium.
A vacation rental gives your group a kitchen, shared gathering space, and a comfortable place to return after the game. Depending on the property, you may be able to walk, use light rail, or take a short ride downtown. We would love to host your Minnesota football weekend.

Check Out the Official Vikings Team Schedule

Choose your matchup and check ticket availability on the official Minnesota Vikings schedule.

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