US Bank Stadium - Minnesota Golden Gophers

Photos Courtesy of @baseballtravels/IG

Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29

US Bank Stadium 401 Chicago Ave Minneapolis, MN 55415

Minnesota Golden Gophers website

US Bank Stadium website

Year Opened: 2016 Capacity: 66,655

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The Minnesota Golden Gophers baseball team calls Siebert Stadium its home field, but also has a second home in the U.S. Bank Stadium. The home of the NFL Minnesota Vikings, which seats 73,000 for football games, might be somewhat too massive for a college baseball game. However, the indoor facility makes it ideal for games in the early months of the Minnesota winter.

The indoor venue enables the baseball program to host additional home games rather than travel for early-season contests. The team plays 40% of its games at the football stadium, a tradition that began with the Vikings predecessor, the Metrodome.

The Metrodome served as home to the Gophers during the early portions of the season from 1985 to 2010 and for two more years in 2012 and 2013. Playing indoors allows the Gophers to begin the season at home earlier than other Big Ten opponents. The Gophers usually begin their season at Siebert Stadium in late March.

The artistically engaging décor features random Viking logos throughout the stadium, giving it a local touch while fans enjoy a dramatically different baseball experience. However, there are plenty of Golden Gophers banners across the stadium seats behind the left field wall.

The stadium also hosts the Cambria Classic. A weekend event that features six different universities from the area. Spectators enter through the Lower Pentair Gate, and seating is available in Sections 126-130 for the event. Backpacks and purses will be permitted for this event. Larger bags, including duffel bags and suitcases, will not be permitted.

The unique atmosphere offered a delightful twist on America's pastime, combining the thrill of football with the charm of a baseball game.

Food & Beverage 3

There is one concession stand open for baseball games, and that is more than enough given the attendance figures. 

Fans can choose from chicken tenders, cheeseburgers, brats, hot dogs, and fries during the game. The snacks include popcorn, pretzels, nachos, and candy. All drinks are Pepsi products, and alcoholic beverages consist of domestic and craft beer, along with hard seltzers and batch cocktails.

The menu options that are available at baseball games. Photos Courtesy of @baseballtravels/IG

Atmosphere 3

The home plate is positioned in the southwest corner, providing a beautiful backdrop of sunshine and the Minneapolis skyline. One of the most striking features of this setup is the massive scoreboard. Concession stands are available, offering classic ballpark favorites, which is a must when enjoying a hot dog amidst the excitement—especially under the warmth of the stadium’s glass roof.

The dugouts, made from repurposed shipping containers, add an element of quirkiness and charm. A foul ball bouncing off the top provides an unexpected thrill, aligning perfectly with the playful spirit of the event.

The dimensions of the field are unusual, with a right-field line measuring just 300 feet but reaching 34 feet high.

Instead of a traditional wall, it features a massive black sheet that absorbs the impact of foul balls rather than deflecting them. Left field, measuring 328 feet, has its quirks as well, including spots where the play clock for NFL games resides.

There is also plenty of natural lighting that shines through the glass walls and roof. It may be cold on the Minneapolis streets, but it is comfortable inside for players and fans.

The wide open concourse offers opportunities for fans. Photos Courtesy of @baseballtravels/IG

Neighborhood 4

US Bank Stadium is located just a stone's throw from downtown Minneapolis, though it has a slightly secluded feel. To the west, you’ll find the Target Center, Target Field, Nicollet Mall, and, for fans of Prince, the iconic First Avenue nightclub. Across the Mississippi River to the east lies the University of Minnesota.

Both areas are rich in fine and casual dining options, accommodations, and unique shopping experiences. Lobster rolls are a specialty at many local eateries, with 1029Bar offering a classic version. Day Block Brewery and Restaurant offers scratch-made pizzas, burgers, and several taps, including Vikingberry Sour, Stadium Blonde, and Cactus Hard Seltzer.

The Mill Ruins Park offers a fascinating glimpse into the city’s milling history and is situated right along the river in Mill City Park. For stunning views of the city, the Foshay Museum and Observation Deck is available for just $10 to $18.

The Mill Ruins Park sits along the Minneapolis skyline. Photo Courtesy of Marc Viquez

Fans 3

Baseball fans do their best to generate some life inside the cavernous confines of the NFL-sized stadium. Even with the large seating bowl and high ceilings of U.S. Bank Stadium, the Gophers faithful bring plenty of enthusiasm, cheering on big hits and strikeouts while trying to shrink the massive space with their energy. 

When the stadium hosts only a Golden Gophers game, the college atmosphere is much more apparent. The familiar sounds of college baseball, chants from the crowd, the buzz of the student section, and the crack of the bat echoing through the building help give the venue a lively, distinctly collegiate feel despite its pro-scale surroundings. 

Access 4

Accessing the stadium is streamlined through a single entry point through the Lower Pentair Gate. Fans are required to navigate around the concourse, which can feel more like a maze than a typical baseball venue. Seating is available only in Sections 126-130. 

US Bank Stadium is accessible via car, bike, and train. The METRO Light Rail (Blue/Green Lines) all-day passes cost $4 for adults ($2 for seniors/youth/disabilities) and provide unlimited rides on trains and local buses until 2 a.m. the following day. 

The light rail system links all of the major stadiums and arenas in the Twin Cities. Fans can visit Target Field, Target Center, CHS Field, Huntington Bank Stadium, Allianz Field, and the Grand Casino Arena.

Return on Investment 3

The price of tickets is $19. The cost of a hot dog is $6.50, and a 16-ounce domestic can of beer is $11.75. The return on investment depends on what the customer is willing to pay. However, watching baseball in Minneapolis in early March, instead of freezing out in the cold at Siebert Field, may up the ante for baseball fans eagerly waiting for springtime baseball. 

Extras 3

The main point is the ability to watch baseball at a venue that hosts the sport for only 10 days a year. US Bank Stadium is ideal for Vikings football games, but also nice for a few games of Golden Gophers baseball during the season as well. The stadium also houses other area colleges, university, and high school programs during this time of the year, from St. Cloud Technical Community College to Itasca Community College and St. Cloud State.

Attending a game might provide throwback vibes from when the Gophers and Twins played games at the Metrodome. Indoor baseball used to be quite popular and one gets the old-time feelings attending games at US Bank Stadium, sans a Kirby Puckett home run.

The glass roof and walls provide plenty of sunshine and views of the Minneapolis skyline. Homeplate is well-positioned, allowing fans to feel as if they are part of the outside world.

The dugouts are constructed out of shipping containers. Photos Courtesy of @baseballtravels/IG

Final Thoughts

The combination of an active NFL stadium reveals that the U.S. Bank Stadium is a versatile venue capable of hosting various events. Whether you're a die-hard baseball fan or just enjoying an afternoon with friends, this unique experience is one to remember, blurring the lines between sports and entertainment.