Official Launch 2026
Founding Host Applications Now OpenJoin Early
College Gameday HubBig TenMinneapolis, Minnesota

Minneapolis
Game Day

Next Home Game — Eastern Illinois· Sep 3
172Days
19Hrs
20Min
22Sec
TBATBA
Book Your Crawl

Quick Facts

School

University

Stadium

Huntington Bank Stadium

Capacity

50,805

Conference

Big Ten

2026 Football Schedule

Official University Minnesota Golden Gophers home & away games

DateOpponentLocationTV / Time
Sep 3Eastern IllinoisHomeTBA· TBA
Sep 12Mississippi StateHomeTBA· TBA
Sep 19AkronHomeTBA· TBA
Sep 26at WashingtonAwayTBA· TBA
Oct 3Michigan (Little Brown Jug)HomeTBA· TBA
Oct 10at PurdueAwayTBA· TBA
Oct 24Iowa (Floyd of Rosedale)HomeTBA· TBA
Oct 31at IndianaAwayTBA· TBA
Nov 7UCLAHomeTBA· TBA
Nov 14at Penn State (Governor's Victory Bell)AwayTBA· TBA
Nov 21NorthwesternHomeTBA· TBA
Nov 28at Wisconsin (Paul Bunyan's Axe)AwayTBA· 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.

Bundle Up For

November

Late-season games can be cold and unpredictable. Dress in warm layers and check the forecast before heading out.

Best Game Day Bar Districts

The top neighborhoods to celebrate in Minneapolis on game day

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

Top Bars for Game Day

The best spots near Huntington Bank Stadium for Minnesota Golden Gophers fans

Sally's Saloon

0.4 miles from stadium·Dinkytown institution with cheap drinks and packed gameday crowds
Affordable pitchersCollege atmosphereOutdoor patioGopher traditions
Open in Google Maps

Blarney Pub & Grill

0.3 miles from stadium·Irish pub with great food and a welcoming atmosphere for all fans
Irish fareCraft beer selectionFriendly staffFamily-friendly
Open in Google Maps

Stub and Herbs

0.5 miles from stadium·Classic sports bar with extensive beer list and gameday specials
100+ beersBar food favoritesMultiple TVsAlumni gathering spot
Open in Google Maps

The Library Bar & Grill

0.4 miles from stadium·Dinkytown staple with a fun atmosphere and solid bar menu
Burgers and wingsDrink specialsPool tablesLate-night food
Open in Google Maps

Raising Cane's Tailgate

0.2 miles from stadium·Outdoor tailgate party hosted by the chicken chain on gamedays
Free chicken samplesLive musicGames and activitiesFamily-friendly
Open in Google Maps

Town Hall Brewery

2.1 miles from stadium·Award-winning brewery with craft beers and elevated pub food
House-brewed beerUpscale menuHistoric buildingPost-game option
Open in Google Maps
Official Game Day Route

Bar Crawl Route Map

The ultimate walking route between the top game day bars near Huntington Bank Stadium — follow the stops in order for the best experience

Total Distance

1.2 miles

Estimated Time

4 hours

Bar Stops

6 Stops

Route Type

Walking Route

Start Here

Dinkytown - 14th Ave SE & 4th St SE

1
Stop 1First Stop

Sally's Saloon

1402 4th St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414

Start here early — Sally's is the heart of Dinkytown gameday. Order a pitcher of Grain Belt Premium (Minnesota's beer) and grab a spot on the patio. This is where the "Ski-U-Mah!" chants begin.
Get Directions
2
Stop 2

Blarney Pub & Grill

600 Washington Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414

Order the Juicy Lucy burger — Minneapolis invented this cheese-stuffed masterpiece. Blarney makes one of the best in town. Pair it with a Summit EPA (local Minnesota brewery).
Get Directions
3
Stop 3

Stub and Herbs

227 Oak St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414

Stub and Herbs has over 100 beers on tap — the largest selection in Dinkytown. Try a flight of Minnesota craft beers: Surly, Indeed, Fulton, and Bent Paddle are all local favorites.
Get Directions
4
Stop 4

The Library Bar & Grill

1300 4th St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414

The Library is a Dinkytown classic. Order the wings and play a round of pool. This is where students and alumni mix — expect a loud, energetic crowd on gamedays.
Get Directions
5
Stop 5

Town Hall Brewery

1430 Washington Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55454

Town Hall is a Minneapolis institution with award-winning house-brewed beers. Try the Masala Mama IPA or the West Bank Pub Ale. The food is a step up from typical bar fare — perfect for fueling up before the stadium.
Get Directions
6
Stop 6Final Stop

Surly Brewing Co.

520 Malcolm Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414

Final stop before kickoff! Surly is a Minneapolis institution — grab a Furious IPA in the Beer Garden and join the maroon-and-gold crowd heading to the stadium. Ski-U-Mah!
Get Directions

End Point

Surly Brewing Co.

Live Route Map

Full Route
1

Sally's Saloon

Stop 1 of 6

Start here early — Sally's is the heart of Dinkytown gameday. Order a pitcher of Grain Belt Premium (Minnesota's beer) and grab a spot on the patio. This is where the "Ski-U-Mah!" chants begin.

1 / 7
1.2 miles
4 hours
6 bars + stadium
Full Route
Pro Tip

Wear your Minnesota Golden Gophers gear and meet fellow fans at every stop along the route!

Join the Official Crawl

Skip the planning — book a guided bar crawl and we'll lead you through every stop

Book Your Spot
Fan Culture

Game Day Traditions

The rituals, chants, and moments that make University Minnesota Golden Gophers game day unlike anywhere else

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 as its 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 as its 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

Experience Every Tradition Live

Join our guided bar crawl and we'll make sure you don't miss a single Minnesota Golden Gophers ritual

Best Gameday Food

Fuel up before kickoff at these local favorites near Huntington Bank Stadium

Open Gameday

Surly Brewing Co.

Craft Brewery · $$

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.

0.3 miles
Must Order:Furious IPA & Beer Hall Pretzel
Open Gameday

Matt's Bar

Burger Joint · $

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.

3.1 miles
Must Order:Juicy Lucy Burger
Open Gameday

Al's Breakfast

Classic Diner · $

4.6(3214 reviews)

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

0.6 miles
Must Order:Blueberry Pancakes & Eggs
Open Gameday

Stub and Herbs

Sports Bar & Grill · $$

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.

0.5 miles
Must Order:Walleye Basket & Minnesota Craft Beer
Open Gameday

Kramarczuk's Sausage Co.

Eastern European Deli · $

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.

2.8 miles
Must Order:Ukrainian Sausage Sandwich
Open Gameday

Punch Neapolitan Pizza (Stadium Village)

Neapolitan Pizza · $$

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.

0.4 miles
Must Order:Margherita Pizza
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

Ready for the Ultimate Minneapolis Game Day?

Book your University Minnesota Golden Gophers game day bar crawl and experience Minneapolis nightlife like never before!

This site can’t be reached

The webpage at https://www.google.com/maps/embed?origin=mfe&pb=!1m3!2m1!1sSally%27s+Saloon,+Minneapolis,+Minnesota!6i16 might be temporarily down or it may have moved permanently to a new web address.

ERR_FAILED
The webpage at https://www.google.com/maps/embed?origin=mfe&pb=!1m3!2m1!1sSally%27s+Saloon,+Minneapolis,+Minnesota!6i16 might be temporarily down or it may have moved permanently to a new web address.