Huntington Bank Stadium is a gem in the heart of Minneapolis. I recently visited this college football venue and was blown away by the experience. The stadium offers a great vibe and beautiful design that fits perfectly with the surrounding area.
As a home for the University of Minnesota’s football team, this stadium goes above and beyond. I loved the pre-game tailgating atmosphere, where I met friendly fans and tried some tasty food and drinks. Inside, the stadium’s layout is impressive, with good views from most seats.
My visit to Huntington Bank Stadium was memorable. The energy during the game was electric, and I felt connected to the college football tradition. It’s clear why both locals and visitors praise this venue so highly.
Key Takeaways
- Huntington Bank Stadium offers a fun, vibrant atmosphere for college football fans
- The venue’s design complements its surroundings and provides good views throughout
- Visitors can enjoy pre-game tailgating and an exciting game-day experience
Stadium Overview
Huntington Bank Stadium is an impressive college football venue. I’ll tell you about its history and design, as well as how many fans it can hold.
History and Architecture
I love how Huntington Bank Stadium blends modern amenities with classic college football charm. It opened in 2009 as TCF Bank Stadium, replacing the old Metrodome as the University of Minnesota’s home field. The brick exterior reminds me of historic college buildings.
Inside, I’m always struck by the horseshoe shape that opens to a view of downtown Minneapolis. The designers did a great job incorporating school colors – maroon and gold are everywhere!
There’s a huge scoreboard that makes it easy to follow the action. I also appreciate the nods to Gopher football history throughout the concourses.
Stadium Capacity and Seating
When I attend games here, I’m amazed at how many fans it can hold. Huntington Bank Stadium seats over 50,000 people. The seating bowl wraps around most of the field, creating a loud atmosphere.
I find the seats comfortable, with good legroom. There are different options too – from bleacher seats to cushioned chair-backs. The best seats are in the lower bowl near midfield, in my opinion.
For big rivalry games, they sometimes add temporary seats. This can push capacity over 60,000! I love how packed it gets for those matchups.
Visitor Experience
My visit to Huntington Bank Stadium was packed with memorable moments. From the initial excitement to the tasty food and handy facilities, there’s a lot to take in. Let me share my firsthand experience of what it’s like to catch a game at this impressive venue.
First Impressions
As I approached Huntington Bank Stadium, I was struck by its sleek design. The stadium fits perfectly into the surrounding area, creating a welcoming atmosphere for fans.
Walking in, I felt the buzz of excitement. The open-air design lets in plenty of natural light, giving the place an airy feel.
One tip: if you’re sitting on the visitor’s side, be ready for sunshine. It can get pretty bright, so bringing sunglasses is a good idea.
The stairs were a bit steep in some sections, but the views made up for it. From most seats, I had a clear view of the field and could easily follow the action.
Food and Concessions
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I was impressed by the variety of food options at Huntington Bank Stadium. There’s something for everyone, from classic stadium fare to local specialties.
I tried a few different items:
- Hot dogs (a must-have at any game)
- Local craft beer
- Mini donuts (a crowd favorite)
The lines moved quickly, and the staff was friendly. Prices were what you’d expect at a stadium – not cheap, but not outrageous either.
For those who enjoy a drink, there’s a good selection of beer and other alcoholic beverages available throughout the stadium.
Amenities and Facilities
The amenities at Huntington Bank Stadium are top-notch. I found the restrooms to be clean and well-maintained, even during busy times.
There were plenty of women’s bathrooms, which is not always the case at older stadiums. This meant shorter lines during halftime rushes.
Other amenities I appreciated:
- Clear signage making it easy to find my way around
- Plenty of merchandise stands for picking up team gear
- Comfortable seating with good legroom
The stadium also has good shelter options in case of rain, though I lucked out with nice weather on my visit.
Access and Transportation
Getting to Huntington Bank Stadium was easier than I expected. I took the light rail, which drops you off right near the stadium. It was convenient and helped me avoid game-day traffic.
For those driving, there are parking options available. However, spaces can fill up quickly on game days.
The stadium’s location near downtown Minneapolis is a plus. It made it easy to grab a bite or drink before or after the game.
Inside, wide concourses made moving around the stadium a breeze. Even during busy times, I didn’t feel cramped or overwhelmed.
Event and Game-Day Experience
Huntington Bank Stadium offers an amazing atmosphere for various events. I’ve had the chance to experience college football games, concerts, and even NFL action here. The energy is electric no matter what’s happening on the field or stage.
College Football Atmosphere
I love the buzz of game day for Gopher Football. The student section is always pumped up, creating an awesome vibe. Rival games against Wisconsin or Iowa are especially intense.
The stadium fills with a sea of maroon and gold. I can feel the excitement build as the team runs onto the field. The roar of the crowd on big plays gives me chills every time.
Merch stands are everywhere, so it’s easy to grab some Gopher gear. I always make sure to stock up on snacks and drinks before kickoff too.
Concerts and Special Events
I’ve been to a few concerts at Huntington Bank Stadium, and the setup is great. The stage takes over one end zone, with amazing sound throughout the venue.
Big-name artists put on incredible shows here. The open-air setting creates a fun festival-like atmosphere. I’ve even lucked out with some free concerts put on by the university.
For special events, the stadium transforms beautifully. From graduations to community gatherings, the space adapts well to different needs.
NFL Games and MN Vikings
While U.S. Bank Stadium is the Vikings’ main home, I’ve caught NFL action at Huntington Bank Stadium too. The place buzzes with pro football energy on these rare occasions.
The stadium handled the transition to NFL games smoothly. Extra amenities popped up to cater to pro football fans. I was impressed by how well it worked for both college and pro games.
Seeing the Vikings play here was a unique experience. It blended the college stadium charm with NFL excitement in a cool way.
Community and Ecological Impact
Huntington Bank Stadium has made quite a splash in Minneapolis. I’ve seen how it’s boosted the local economy and pushed for greener practices. Let me tell you more about the cool ways this stadium impacts the area.
University and Local Economy
The stadium has been a game-changer for the University of Minnesota and nearby businesses. I’ve noticed more folks flocking to campus on game days, which is great for local shops and restaurants. The University of Minnesota Athletics department says the stadium project considered traffic impacts too. This means they thought about how all these extra visitors would move around.
Students get in on the action too. I’ve heard many have found part-time jobs at the stadium. It’s a win-win – they earn money and gain work experience. The boost to the local economy is real, and I can feel the excitement in the air on game days.
Sustainability Initiatives
I’m impressed by the green efforts at Huntington Bank Stadium. They’ve taken steps to be kinder to our planet. For example, I’ve seen recycling bins all over the place. It’s easy for fans to toss their cans and bottles in the right spot.
The stadium also uses energy-efficient lighting. This cuts down on power use, which is great for the environment. I’ve noticed they use local food vendors too. This means less transport and fresher grub for us fans.
Water conservation is another big deal here. They’ve installed low-flow fixtures in the bathrooms. It’s a small change that makes a big difference over time. I love seeing a big venue like this take eco-friendly steps.
Visitor Tips and Recommendations
I’ve got some great advice to make your visit to Huntington Bank Stadium awesome. These tips will help you get comfy seats, avoid long lines, and stay comfy no matter the weather.
Seating Tips
When picking seats, I recommend the visitor side for sunny days. It’s brighter and warmer there.
I always check seat view reviews before buying tickets. They help me find the best spots.
For a treat, try the VIP skyboxes. I’ve heard they’re amazing and have tasty snacks.
Navigating Crowds and Queues
I like to arrive early to beat the crowds. It’s way less stressful.
For parking, I use the State Fairgrounds Lot S108. It’s only $10 and has a free shuttle to the stadium.
Food lines can get long. I grab snacks before the game starts or during less busy times.
Weather Preparedness
Minneapolis weather can be tricky. I always check the forecast before heading out.
For sunny days, I bring:
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- A hat
If rain’s expected, I pack:
- A light raincoat
- A small umbrella
On cold days, I layer up. The stadium can get chilly, especially in the shade.
Additional Information
Huntington Bank Stadium offers more than just football games. I’ve found some cool extras that make it worth checking out, even when the Gophers aren’t playing.
Stadium Tours and Access
I love taking stadium tours! Huntington Bank Stadium gives fans a behind-the-scenes look at this awesome venue. Tours run on weekdays and last about an hour. I got to see the locker rooms, press box, and even walk on the field.
The tour guides share fun facts and history about the stadium. It’s neat to learn how it was built and see areas normally off-limits on game days.
Tours cost $10 for adults and $8 for kids. I think it’s totally worth it for sports fans or anyone curious about the stadium. Just be sure to book in advance, as spots fill up fast.
Soccer at Huntington Bank Stadium
I was surprised to learn that Huntington Bank Stadium hosts soccer matches too! Minnesota United FC has played here a few times.
The field converts well for soccer, with temporary seats added to bring fans closer to the action. The atmosphere is electric, especially when the Loons score a goal!
Ticket prices vary, but I’ve found good deals in the upper deck. The views are still great up there. Food options are similar to football games, with lots of local flavors to try.
Transparency and Reporting
I appreciate how open Huntington Bank Stadium is about its operations. They publish yearly reports on things like attendance, revenue, and community impact.
These reports show how the stadium benefits the university and local area. It’s cool to see the economic boost from big games and events.
The stadium also shares info on sustainability efforts. They’ve cut water use and increased recycling. I like knowing my visit has less environmental impact.
All this data is available on the stadium’s website. It’s a bit dry, but it shows they care about being accountable to fans and the community.
Frequently Asked Questions
I’ve gathered some key info about Huntington Bank Stadium to help you plan your visit. These answers cover food, parking, seating, and more to make your experience great.
What are the food and drink options available at Huntington Bank Stadium?
I’m not sure about specific food vendors, but most large stadiums offer a variety of concessions. You can likely find typical stadium fare like hot dogs, burgers, nachos, and popcorn. There are probably also some local specialties and beer options available.
What are the parking facilities like at Huntington Bank Stadium for events?
Parking at Huntington Bank Stadium starts at $10 and goes up to $20. There are several parking ramps and lots nearby. The Oak Street Ramp, Church Street Garage, and Washington Avenue Ramp charge $20. The East River Road Garage is $10.
For tailgating, the State Fairgrounds Lot S108 costs $10 and allows tailgating. This lot is cash only.
Are there any special amenities or services offered for concertgoers at Huntington Bank Stadium?
I don’t have specific info about concert amenities at this stadium. Many large venues offer services like wheelchair rentals, hearing assistance devices, or VIP packages. It’s best to check the stadium’s website for details about your event.
What’s the seating arrangement and comfort like at Huntington Bank Stadium?
The stadium likely has a mix of regular seats and premium seating options. For specific seat views, you can check out fan reviews and photos online. This can help you choose the best seats for your budget and preferences.
How does the stadium accommodate fans during colder weather?
Since this is an outdoor stadium in Minnesota, it can get chilly. I’d suggest bringing warm layers, especially for late-season games. The stadium might offer blanket rentals or sell hand warmers, but it’s smart to come prepared.
What are some tips for having the best experience at a Huntington Bank Stadium event?
I recommend arriving early to avoid traffic and find parking. Bring cash for vendors who don’t take cards. Check the stadium’s rules about what you can bring inside.
Wear comfy shoes – you might do a lot of walking. And don’t forget your camera or phone to capture memories!
