Tailgating in Minnesota

[LincolnHawkeye]

I live in the Twin Cities and am planning on going to the game this year. In the past, we have just walked around to the local bars before the game, but I wanted to try and tailgate this year instead since it's an afternoon game. Does anyone have any info on how to get an actual pass to a tailgating lot? It seems very hard to do if you're not a season ticket holder. There are no options that I can see on any websites. Otherwise, it looks like non season ticket holder can go to the fairgrounds in St. Paul (which isn't that close) or go to the East River Flats Park?

 

[Auger]

I live out in the mountain west but have come back for that game a couple times over the past decade as I have family and friends in the Twin Cities. Tailgating has not been great there. Both times we tailgated in a parking lot 5-10 miles from the stadium and took a bus in to the game. Last time I was there was 3-4 years ago however so maybe things have changed. Lots of Hawkeye fans tailgating in the lots however. It still ranks towards the bottom of the 6 Big Ten away stadiums I have been to when it comes to tailgating. Just a poor atmosphere. When you grow up tailgating Iowa home games you do tend to have some lofty expectations.

 

[Brian_Fantana]

The flats aren’t bad and walkable to the stadium. Otherwise just buy one off stubhub or other fan sites. People sell them on Craigslist as well

 

[Kinnick 4 Prez]

Fairgrounds is where most hawk fans are. You take a shuttle directly to the stadium. Line is less then 3-4 min and the rise is less then 10. After the game it’s less hen a 10 min wait in line and less then 10 on the bus. Pretty simple and affordable. We’ve done it every year up here when Iowa plays. Gopher fans don’t show up right away so get there early and you can get prime spots by the shitters. Not too close though. I think lots open 6 hours before kickoff.

 

[LincolnHawkeye]

The flats aren’t bad and walkable to the stadium. Otherwise just buy one off stubhub or other fan sites. People sell them on Craigslist as well

That was my main question, the only way to get an actual tailgating pass is the secondary market then I'm assuming?

 

[Herkmeister]

Fairgrounds is where most hawk fans are. You take a shuttle directly to the stadium. Line is less then 3-4 min and the rise is less then 10. After the game it’s less hen a 10 min wait in line and less then 10 on the bus. Pretty simple and affordable. We’ve done it every year up here when Iowa plays. Gopher fans don’t show up right away so get there early and you can get prime spots by the shitters. Not too close though. I think lots open 6 hours before kickoff.

Yep, I concur. They have a pretty good system there. Easy to drive in & out of fairgrounds too.

It will be interesting to see how the MN fans are taking to boats and rowing. I suspect the jury is still in deliberation.

 

[Harbinger273]

Isn't Hawkeye Huddle and option?

 

[scarletred]

Fairgrounds is where most hawk fans are. You take a shuttle directly to the stadium. Line is less then 3-4 min and the rise is less then 10. After the game it’s less hen a 10 min wait in line and less then 10 on the bus. Pretty simple and affordable. We’ve done it every year up here when Iowa plays. Gopher fans don’t show up right away so get there early and you can get prime spots by the shitters. Not too close though. I think lots open 6 hours before kickoff.

From experience the Fair grounds is the way to go, parking is unexpensive and it gives you time to tailgate without too much hassle and take a shuttle to and from the game.

 

[HawkAttackDial911]

I tailgated at the fairgrounds last time. It was fine. Lots of Iowa fans mingling together. Walking out of the game seeing all those dejected gopher fans is worth the price of admission.

 

[wcfan56]

I tailgated at the fairgrounds last time. It was fine. Lots of Iowa fans mingling together. Walking out of the game seeing all those dejected gopher fans is worth the price of admission.

Pretty sure Minnesota had more wins in the new stadium versus the Hawks

 

[Kinnick 4 Prez]

Fairgrounds is where most hawk fans are. You take a shuttle directly to the stadium. Line is less then 3-4 min and the rise is less then 10. After the game it’s less hen a 10 min wait in line and less then 10 on the bus. Pretty simple and affordable. We’ve done it every year up here when Iowa plays. Gopher fans don’t show up right away so get there early and you can get prime spots by the shitters. Not too close though. I think lots open 6 hours before kickoff.

Also, you can take as many spots as you want. We usually have 4-5 cars and we’ll take up 8-10 to play bags and set up tents and grill. Cops are around but they are cool. They just drive around and remind people to keep the lanes open.
It doesn’t get crazy there but it’s fun and relaxing. Mostly older gopher fans there so they like to joke around and make fun of Brewster.

 

[HawkeyeMcNutt]

Fairgrounds are definitely the way to go. Have gone every year at TCF and it’s easy in and out and all Hawkeye fans. Not the greatest atmosphere in terms of being by the stadium and all of that, but a fun day so long as you and your crew make it one.

 

[LincolnHawkeye]

Cost for the fairgrounds? I'm looking on stubhub right now and its about $125 to tailgate near the stadium....no thanks

 

[Oakdale Hawkeye]

I believe that it's 10 dollars a vehicle to park.