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College Gameday HubBig TenMinneapolis, Minnesota

Minneapolis
Game Day

Next Home Game — Eastern Illinois· Sep 3
170Days
07Hrs
26Min
43Sec
TBATBA

Quick Facts

School

University

Stadium

Huntington Bank Stadium

Capacity

50,805

Conference

Big Ten

Local Bar Scene

Bar Districts in Minneapolis

The neighborhoods where Minneapolis fans drink before, during, and after the game. Each district has its own vibe — here's where to find your crowd.

Dinkytown

Historic student neighborhood adjacent to campus with classic college bars and restaurants

Notable Bars

Walking distance to stadium
Student bar scene
Affordable drinks
Gameday tradition hub

Stadium Village

Neighborhood directly surrounding Huntington Bank Stadium with newer bars and eateries

Notable Bars

Closest to stadium
Modern venues
Light rail access
Pre-game central

Downtown Minneapolis

Urban core with upscale bars, restaurants, and entertainment options

Notable Bars

Upscale dining
Craft cocktail bars
Light rail to stadium
Post-game options

2026 Football Schedule

Plan your game day around the University Minnesota Golden Gophers home schedule

Eastern IllinoisHome

Sep 3

TBA· TBA
Mississippi StateHome

Sep 12

TBA· TBA
AkronHome

Sep 19

TBA· TBA
at WashingtonAway

Sep 26

TBA· TBA
Michigan (Little Brown Jug)Home

Oct 3

TBA· TBA
at PurdueAway

Oct 10

TBA· TBA
Iowa (Floyd of Rosedale)Home

Oct 24

TBA· TBA
at IndianaAway

Oct 31

TBA· TBA
UCLAHome

Nov 7

TBA· TBA
at Penn State (Governor's Victory Bell)Away

Nov 14

TBA· TBA
NorthwesternHome

Nov 21

TBA· TBA
at Wisconsin (Paul Bunyan's Axe)Away

Nov 28

TBA· TBA

* Schedule subject to change. Always verify with the official athletic department.

Fan Planning Guide

Game Day Weather

Minneapolis has the most extreme fall weather in the Big Ten — warm and pleasant in September, but November can be brutally cold with early snow. September is the best month to visit; November games require serious cold-weather preparation.

⭐ Best Month

September

warm

70°

High

/

49°

Low

5 rainy days
Best weather of the season — warm and comfortable. Dinkytown patios are packed with maroon and gold fans.

October

crisp

54°

High

/

37°

Low

5 rainy days
Cooling fast — a warm jacket and layers are essential. The Minneapolis skyline backdrop looks stunning in fall colors.
❄️ Toughest

November

cold

37°

High

/

22°

Low

4 rainy days
5 snow days
Seriously cold — heavy coat, thermal layers, gloves, hat, and hand warmers are all mandatory. This is Minnesota.

Game Day Packing List

  • Maroon and gold thermal layers
  • Heavy winter coat for October and November
  • Gloves, hat, and scarf — mandatory for November
  • Hand warmers — buy extras for late-season games
  • Waterproof boots for potential snow
  • Green Line card — easiest way to the stadium

Best Time to Visit

September

These months offer the most comfortable conditions for outdoor tailgating and the walk to Huntington Bank Stadium.

Toughest Months

November

Pack extra layers and check the forecast before you go. Indoor bars are your best friend on cold game days.

Local Bar Guide

Best Bars in Minneapolis on Game Day

The definitive guide to Minneapolis's college bar scene — where fans drink, what to order, and what makes each spot worth visiting on game day.

Sally's Saloon

0.4 miles from Huntington Bank Stadium

#1

Atmosphere

Dinkytown institution with cheap drinks and packed gameday crowds

Known For

Affordable pitchersCollege atmosphereOutdoor patioGopher traditions

Blarney Pub & Grill

0.3 miles from Huntington Bank Stadium

#2

Atmosphere

Irish pub with great food and a welcoming atmosphere for all fans

Known For

Irish fareCraft beer selectionFriendly staffFamily-friendly

Stub and Herbs

0.5 miles from Huntington Bank Stadium

#3

Atmosphere

Classic sports bar with extensive beer list and gameday specials

Known For

100+ beersBar food favoritesMultiple TVsAlumni gathering spot

The Library Bar & Grill

0.4 miles from Huntington Bank Stadium

#4

Atmosphere

Dinkytown staple with a fun atmosphere and solid bar menu

Known For

Burgers and wingsDrink specialsPool tablesLate-night food

Raising Cane's Tailgate

0.2 miles from Huntington Bank Stadium

#5

Atmosphere

Outdoor tailgate party hosted by the chicken chain on gamedays

Known For

Free chicken samplesLive musicGames and activitiesFamily-friendly

Town Hall Brewery

2.1 miles from Huntington Bank Stadium

#6

Atmosphere

Award-winning brewery with craft beers and elevated pub food

Known For

House-brewed beerUpscale menuHistoric buildingPost-game option
Fan Culture

Minneapolis Game Day Traditions

What makes Minnesota Golden Gophers game day unique — the rituals, chants, and moments every fan lives for.

Ski-U-Mah Battle Cry

Throughout the game — especially after touchdowns and big plays

"Ski-U-Mah" is Minnesota's unique and beloved battle cry, dating back to 1884. The chant — which has no direct translation but is believed to derive from a Sioux word meaning "victory" — is shouted by fans throughout Huntington Bank Stadium on big plays and touchdowns. It's one of the oldest and most distinctive chants in college football, and hearing 50,000 fans shout "Ski-U-Mah!" in unison is a uniquely Minnesota experience.

"Ski-U-Mah" has been Minnesota's battle cry since 1884 — one of the oldest in college football

Dinkytown Pre-Game Ritual

3–4 hours before kickoff in Dinkytown

Dinkytown — the historic student neighborhood adjacent to the University of Minnesota campus — is the heart of Golden Gophers gameday. Sally's Saloon, Stub and Herbs, and The Library Bar fill with maroon-and-gold fans hours before kickoff. The walk from Dinkytown to Huntington Bank Stadium — through the beautiful University of Minnesota campus along the Mississippi River — is one of the most scenic gameday walks in the Big Ten.

Dinkytown has been the center of Minnesota gameday life since the 1950s

Minneapolis Skyline Backdrop

Every home game — especially night games

Huntington Bank Stadium is the only Big Ten stadium with a major city skyline backdrop. The Minneapolis skyline — visible from the upper decks — creates a stunning visual that is unique in college football. Night games at Huntington Bank Stadium, with the city lights twinkling behind the maroon-and-gold crowd, are among the most visually spectacular in the Big Ten.

The only Big Ten stadium with a major city skyline backdrop

Floyd of Rosedale — Minnesota vs. Iowa

Annual rivalry game vs. Iowa — typically in October

The annual Minnesota–Iowa game is played for Floyd of Rosedale — a bronze pig trophy that has been contested since 1935. The trophy is named after a real pig wagered between the governors of Minnesota and Iowa in 1935. Floyd is one of the most beloved and unique rivalry trophies in college football, and the game always draws massive crowds to Huntington Bank Stadium.

Floyd of Rosedale is a bronze pig — one of the most unique trophies in college football (since 1935)

Green Line Gameday Tradition

2–3 hours before kickoff — take the Green Line from downtown Minneapolis

Thousands of Minnesota fans ride the Green Line light rail from downtown Minneapolis to Huntington Bank Stadium on game days. The train fills with maroon-and-gold fans, and the 15-minute ride from downtown becomes a rolling pre-game party. It's one of the most convenient and festive gameday commutes in college football, and it's become a beloved tradition for Twin Cities fans.

Minnesota is one of the few Big Ten schools with direct light rail access to the stadium
Fuel Up Before the Game

Best Game Day Food in Minneapolis

Top spots to eat before or after the game — ranked by proximity, quality, and game day vibes.

$$Open Game Day

Surly Brewing Co.

Craft Brewery · 0.3 miles from stadium

4.7 (4231 reviews)

Minneapolis's most celebrated brewery sits steps from Huntington Bank Stadium. The Furious IPA with a warm soft pretzel and beer cheese is the ultimate Gophers pre-game ritual.

Must order: Furious IPA & Beer Hall Pretzel
Get Directions
$Open Game Day

Matt's Bar

Burger Joint · 3.1 miles from stadium

4.6 (5872 reviews)

The original home of the Juicy Lucy — a cheese-stuffed burger invented in Minneapolis. Matt's Bar has been serving this molten-cheese masterpiece since 1954. A mandatory gameday pilgrimage.

Must order: Juicy Lucy Burger
Get Directions
$Open Game Day

Al's Breakfast

Classic Diner · 0.6 miles from stadium

4.6 (3214 reviews)

A Dinkytown institution since 1950 with only 14 counter stools. The blueberry pancakes are legendary — arrive early on gameday line stretches down the alley.

Must order: Blueberry Pancakes & Eggs
Get Directions
$$Open Game Day

Stub and Herbs

Sports Bar & Grill · 0.5 miles from stadium

4.4 (1987 reviews)

Dinkytown's best sports bar with 100+ beers on tap. The walleye basket — a Minnesota staple — paired with a Surly or Indeed craft beer is the definitive Gophers gameday meal.

Must order: Walleye Basket & Minnesota Craft Beer
Get Directions
$Open Game Day

Kramarczuk's Sausage Co.

Eastern European Deli · 2.8 miles from stadium

4.5 (2341 reviews)

A Minneapolis landmark since 1954. House-made Ukrainian sausages on a toasted roll with mustard and sauerkraut — hearty, affordable, and beloved by generations of Gophers fans.

Must order: Ukrainian Sausage Sandwich
Get Directions
$$Open Game Day

Punch Neapolitan Pizza (Stadium Village)

Neapolitan Pizza · 0.4 miles from stadium

4.6 (2876 reviews)

Wood-fired Neapolitan pizza right in Stadium Village. The classic Margherita with San Marzano tomatoes and fresh mozzarella is a pre-game favorite for Gophers fans heading to Huntington Bank Stadium.

Must order: Margherita Pizza
Get Directions

Best Neighborhoods for Bar Hopping

The top districts in Minneapolis for game day bar crawls and nightlife.

Dinkytown

Historic student neighborhood adjacent to campus with classic college bars and restaurants

  • Walking distance to stadium
  • Student bar scene
  • Affordable drinks
  • Gameday tradition hub

Stadium Village

Neighborhood directly surrounding Huntington Bank Stadium with newer bars and eateries

  • Closest to stadium
  • Modern venues
  • Light rail access
  • Pre-game central

Downtown Minneapolis

Urban core with upscale bars, restaurants, and entertainment options

  • Upscale dining
  • Craft cocktail bars
  • Light rail to stadium
  • Post-game options
Earn Money on Game Day

Host a Minneapolis GameDay Crawl

Turn your love of Minnesota Golden Gophers football into income. Organize bar crawls on game days, build your crew, and get paid doing what you love.

  • Earn $200–$800 per crawl
  • Set your own schedule
  • Join a host community

Tailgate & Parking Info

Everything you need to know before you arrive at Huntington Bank Stadium

Tailgate Zones

Gopher Victory LotOpens 7:00 AM

East River Flats ParkOpens 6:00 AM

Oak Street RampOpens 6:00 AM

Parking & Transit Tips

    Rideshare Drop-off

    23rd Ave SE & University Ave SE

    Shuttle Service

    Campus Connector buses run from downtown and parking lots to stadium starting 3 hours before kickoff

    Where to Stay

    Top hotels near Huntington Bank Stadium for game day weekend

    Graduate Minneapolis

    $$$
    0.3 miles from stadium
    • Right in Dinkytown
    • Walking distance to stadium
    • Gopher-themed rooms
    • Rooftop bar
    Book 6+ months ahead for rivalry games

    Courtyard Minneapolis Downtown

    $$
    2.5 miles from stadium
    • Downtown location
    • Light rail access
    • Modern amenities
    • More availability
    Take Green Line to stadium

    Hilton Minneapolis

    $$$
    2.8 miles from stadium
    • Full-service hotel
    • Downtown dining nearby
    • Indoor skyway access
    • Post-game entertainment
    Great for making a weekend trip

    Game Day FAQ

    Everything you need to know about Minneapolis game day bar crawls

    Verified Sources

    Information sourced from official and authoritative references

    Know Minneapolis's Bar Scene Better Than Anyone

    Explore every bar district, find the best spots near Huntington Bank Stadium, and discover where Minnesota Golden Gophers fans drink on game day.

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