From the Vikings’ SKOL chant to a crisp fall afternoon cheering on the Gophers or Bethel Royals, football is a great reason to plan a Twin Cities getaway.
Whether you’re visiting for an NFL matchup, following your college team, or turning game day into a weekend with family, a little planning goes a long way. Here’s what to know about where teams play, getting to the stadium, and finding a convenient place to stay.
Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium
Vikings football brings fans to downtown Minneapolis for an experience that starts well before kickoff. Arrive early to enjoy the pregame atmosphere and get settled before the stadium fills with purple and gold.
Where they play: U.S. Bank Stadium in downtown Minneapolis. The indoor stadium makes Vikings games a comfortable outing throughout the season, although you’ll still want weather-appropriate clothing for the trip to and from your seat.
Getting there: The METRO Blue and Green lines both stop at U.S. Bank Stadium Station, just outside the stadium. If you’re driving, choose your parking location ahead of time and leave extra time for downtown traffic, security, and walking to your entrance. Check the Vikings transportation guide for current options.
Know before you go: Vikings games use digital tickets, and purchases inside the stadium are cashless. Download tickets before arriving, charge your phone, and review the bag policy. If you’re planning to tailgate, make sure you’ve selected a designated tailgating location. The Vikings game-day guide is your starting point for the latest details.
Minnesota Gophers at Huntington Bank Stadium
For marching bands, campus traditions, and a sea of maroon and gold, head to the University of Minnesota. Gopher football delivers a classic outdoor college game-day experience.
Where they play: Huntington Bank Stadium on the university’s Minneapolis campus. Be sure your directions point to the stadium rather than the university’s separate St. Paul campus.
Getting there: Take the METRO Green Line to Stadium Village Station and walk to the stadium. Driving is also an option, but check the football parking map before choosing a campus lot or ramp.
The university lists a paid parking option at the State Fairgrounds’ St. Paul Lot S108 with a shuttle to the stadium. Check the Gopher game-day guide for current parking locations, shuttle hours, and availability.
Know before you go: Huntington Bank Stadium is outdoors, so dress for the forecast and bring layers as the season gets colder. Give yourself time to enjoy the campus atmosphere and pregame traditions. Tailgating rules depend on your parking location, so confirm that your lot allows it before packing the cooler.
Bethel University at Royal Stadium
A Bethel football weekend is a chance to cheer on the Royals while spending time with family, reconnecting with classmates, or exploring campus.
Where they play: Royal Stadium on Bethel University’s Arden Hills campus. The university uses a St. Paul mailing address, so search for Royal Stadium or use Bethel’s campus directions when planning your route.
Getting there: Driving or rideshare is a practical option from Roseville, New Brighton, and Shoreview. Follow campus signs and event staff directions when you arrive. Bethel identifies the West Lot as the closest parking area to the stadium entrance in its visitor directions.
Know before you go: Plan for outdoor seating and allow time to walk from parking. Check Bethel Athletics for stadium information and your game’s schedule and ticket details.
More College Football Around the Twin Cities
University of Northwestern–St. Paul
The Northwestern Eagles play at Reynolds Field, a convenient college football option for visitors staying in Roseville.
Northwestern notes that campus parking is limited for home football games. Arrive early and follow directions to available spaces. Visit Northwestern Athletics for facility information and current game details.
University of St. Thomas
The St. Thomas Tommies play at O’Shaughnessy Stadium, near Cretin and Summit avenues in St. Paul. It’s another outdoor football destination to consider when building your weekend.
Choose your parking plan ahead of time, leave time for the walk to the stadium, and check the team’s current ticket and entry information. Learn more through the St. Thomas stadium guide.
Where to Stay for a Twin Cities Football Weekend
Make Roseville, New Brighton, or Shoreview your home base for the weekend. These six hotels put you within driving distance of Vikings and Gophers games, plus nearby college football.
Distances below are preliminary estimated driving mileage. Routes, parking destinations, and campus entrances can affect the actual distance. Allow extra travel time on game day.
- Home2 Suites Roseville: Approximately 8–10 miles to U.S. Bank Stadium, 6–8 miles to Huntington Bank Stadium, and 2–4 miles to Northwestern’s Reynolds Field.
- Hampton Inn Roseville: Approximately 8–10 miles to U.S. Bank Stadium, 6–8 miles to Huntington Bank Stadium, and 2–4 miles to Northwestern’s Reynolds Field.
- Residence Inn Roseville: Approximately 9–11 miles to U.S. Bank Stadium, 7–9 miles to Huntington Bank Stadium, and 3–5 miles to Northwestern’s Reynolds Field.
- Courtyard Roseville: Approximately 9–11 miles to U.S. Bank Stadium, 7–9 miles to Huntington Bank Stadium, and 3–5 miles to Northwestern’s Reynolds Field.
- Make game day a getaway with Courtyard Roseville’s sports package, featuring 10% off your stay, two drinks, and an appetizer at the hotel bar. Available Thursday–Monday for stays through January 31, 2027. Subject to availability.
- Homewood Suites New Brighton: Approximately 11–14 miles to U.S. Bank Stadium, 9–12 miles to Huntington Bank Stadium, and 4–7 miles to Bethel’s Royal Stadium.
- Hilton Garden Inn Shoreview: Approximately 10–13 miles to U.S. Bank Stadium, 9–12 miles to Huntington Bank Stadium, and 2–4 miles to Bethel’s Royal Stadium.
Getting Around During Your Stay
Flying into Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport? The METRO Blue Line serves both terminals and connects to downtown Minneapolis. For Gopher games, transfer to the Green Line toward St. Paul and exit at Stadium Village. See MSP’s light rail guide for airport station information.
When staying at one of the featured suburban hotels, plan your hotel connection separately. A rental car offers flexibility for visiting multiple campuses, while rideshare can simplify trips when you’d prefer to leave the car behind. Check transit schedules and service alerts before heading out, and confirm any shuttle arrangements directly with your hotel.
Make a Weekend of It
If the schedules line up, arrive Friday, catch a college game Saturday, and cheer on the Vikings Sunday. Check home schedules and kickoff times before booking your trip.
Before leaving the hotel, download your tickets, review your stadium’s bag policy, and confirm your parking or transportation plan. If anyone in your group needs accessible parking, seating, or a shorter walking route, check those arrangements in advance.
Then pull on your team colors and enjoy the weekend. From downtown Minneapolis to college campuses across the metro, your next football getaway starts with MN Travel Hub.