A Minnesota Sports Fan's Bucket List: Must-Do Experiences You Won't Get Anywhere Else

Being a fan of Minnesota sports is an emotional experience. This is a state where teams can go decades without a championship but still fill the arena with passionate fans that believe that this could be the year (this is probably not going to be the year).

The Minnesota sports fan has gotten to witness amazing feats like Kirby Puckett's Game 6 heroics in '91, to the incredible wide receiver tandem of Chris Carter and Randy Moss in the late '90s, to the Lynx winning four WNBA titles out of six finals appearances in the 2010s, to the Frost winning the first two PWHL titles ever here in the mid-2020s. 

And that list doesn't even include the Wild, the Timberwolves, the Gophers, Minnesota United, or the plethora of semi-pro, amateur, and community events all over the state. No matter what sport you love, Minnesota has something for you to scratch off your bucket list. 

Must Attend Minnesota Sports Events & Traditions

Minnesota is as stuffed with great sporting traditions as a Juicy Lucy is stuffed with cheese. These include every major professional league and a few options that are unique to The North Star State. 

Vikings Game-Day Rituals

The Vikings are probably the most popular and heart-breaking team in Minnesota. Even though a part of every Vikings fan knows the pain that waits for them at the end of the season, their support never waivers and their traditions never die.

• SKOL Chant: An import from Iceland's national soccer team, Vikings fans will lift their hands above their heads and clap them together while yelling "SKOL" to the beat of an ever-quickening drum. It must be felt and seen to be believed.
• Gjallerhorn: Before each home game, a special guest with some local significance (such as St Paul native and Olympic Champion Suni Lee) will blow into a massive gjallerhorn to sound the Vikings call to battle!
• The Drumline: One of the best Minnesota tailgating tips is to give yourself enough time to roam around the stadium before the game to experience the fun of the Vikings' drumline along with many other unique, family friendly activities.

State of Hockey Staples

There is just so much hockey to enjoy in Minnesota. From the pros of The Wild and Frost to the outdoor rinks and ponds outside the metro, hockey is never too far from a Minnesota sports fan's mind.

• "Let's Play Hockey!": Every Wild game at Grand Casino Arena starts with this simple, yet perfect declaration. It isn't flashy or fancy, but we wouldn't have it any other way.
• High School Hockey State Tournament MN: Boys from schools all over the state get to come play games on the same ice the pros use. This tournament has a long history with all sorts of pageantry and a surprisingly high focus on players' hairstyles.
• Hockey Day Minnesota: Small towns host big events on outdoor rinks. If you decide to go out to watch, remember to layer up so that you can withstand the weather like a local. The host city changes every year, so be sure to check the Hockey Day Minnesota schedule!
• U.S. Pond Hockey Championships: Held annually on Lake Nokomis, this is a celebration of Hockey in its purest form. The organizers do a great job with scheduling and helping fans figure out the best places to watch.

Summer Baseball Culture

From the Majors to the Minors to the NCAA, summer brings all levels of the national pastime to Minnesota. And even if you aren't totally into the game, having a hot dog and relaxing outside without the need for winter clothing makes for a nice change.

• Minnesota Twins at Target Field: There's nothing quite like Twins game day at this glorious modern ballpark with its skyline views, fireworks, and locally sourced, Kasota limestone surfaces around the diamond and throughout the facility.
• St. Paul Saints at CHS Field: Though once known as the Bill Murray owned, unaffiliated Midway Minor Leaguers, the Saints are now the official AAA affiliate of the Twins. But don't worry, they have retained the sideline performers and in-character ushers that make their games ridiculously fun.

Fantastic Footie

Soccer has a long history in Minnesota. Back in the 70s, the Kicks made a go of it, as did the Thunder in the 90s. But now, Minnesota United FC are perennial contenders in MLS and The Aurora are making their names in the USL W.

• The Loons: Allianz Arena in St. Paul is home to MNUFC. Fan chants include everything from dad jokes to a traditional singing of Wonderwall after every victory.
• Aurora: The Aurora is a community-owned women's team, making them unique among Minnesota's pro squads. They've only been around since 2022, but Minnesota Aurora supporters are quickly establishing an identity down at TCO Stadium in Eagan.

College Legends

The Golden Gophers are one of the founding schools of The Big 10 Conference. When you take a trip down to Stadium Village, you can immerse yourself in the sports culture of one of the best schools in the world.

• Football Rivalries: The Gophers have special trophies they go after every year including:
• Floyd of Rosedale: A pig statue that is shared with The University of Iowa
• Paul Bunyon's Axe: A giant lumberjack's axe shared with The University of Wisconsin
• The Little Brown Jug: An unassuming water jug full of history with The University of Michigan
• Hockey History: Gopher Hockey games are amazing experiences. The chants from the student section of 3M Arena at Mariucci are second-to-none.

Where to Get the Best Food & Drinks Before a Game

The Twin Cities have earned a great reputation for great food options. And while each stadium has unique treats at their concession stands and specialty restaurants, grabbing a bite on the way to a game can make a great day perfect.

Near U.S. Bank Stadium

If you aren't tailgating, the bars and restaurants of East Town and Eliot Park make for great stops before you take in a Vikings game.

• Day Block Brewing Company: When the Vikes play at noon, this place is open at 8 AM. Their expansive menu includes pizzas you would never imagine possible in a thousand years.
• Hen House Eatery: An extremely chill joint with all-day breakfast as well as a bar and bakery. A great place to relax before the excitement of a big game.
• Town Hall Brewery: Located a short jaunt from the stadium in Seven Corners, you can get some incredible craft beer alongside some great food.

Near Target Field/Target Center

If you are looking for baseball or basketball (which, with the WNBA, is basically a year-round sport here), you'll want to hit up the great joints of the famous North Loop neighborhood and Warehouse District before the game.

• The Rabbit Hole: A blend of traditional pub fare and high-end preparation, it's easily one of the best Minneapolis North Loop restaurants to pop in for a single drink or a full night of fun.
• Modist Brewing: Modist can give you beers, seltzers, and THC drinks that range in flavor from the familiar to the potentially insane.
• Parlour: Best known for their perfect burger execution. And if you don't get a Parlour burger on the way to the game, you can actually grab one at the Target Center!

Near Grand Casino Arena

Downtown St. Paul and the Lowertown neighborhood are packed with cozy eateries and great bars for craft beer near the stadium on a hockey game day.

• The Eagle Street: Part of a 20 year tradition, you can get American classics at solid prices right across the street from the arena.
• Zamboni's on 7th: Offering a high-end take on street food without a hint of pretension, you'll be hard-pressed to find any Grand Casino Arena restaurants that can compete with Zamboni's pizza and beer.
• Gambit Brewing Company: A hidden Lowertown gem that's a bit off the beaten path, popping down Gambit's stairs for some craft beer always pays off.

How to Create Your Perfect Sports Day

The key to a great day of live sports is planning ahead. Here's a checklist of things you should consider before bringing yourself or your whole family out to the ball game.

• Transit and Parking: Plan your route to the stadium. Keep in mind that you can always park somewhere inexpensive and then take Metro Transit to games.
• Dressing for the Weather: Minnesota fluctuates between extreme heat and very extreme cold. Check the weather before you head out and dress accordingly.
• Gear Up: Every team in Minnesota has different colors, so be sure you arrange your outfit accordingly. Also, be aware of security requirements like clear bag policies so you don't get delayed at security.
• Ticket Systems: Most places use electronic tickets these days. They will still scan a printed ticket if you have one, but many teams manage sales via apps these days, so be sure that you have the appropriate software installed on your devices.
• Family Planning: Be sure that you have ear protection for little ones and budget for some stadium food to give them the full experience
• Photo Ops: There are so many great visuals that can give you a great picture to commemorate your day at every stadium. Some of the best are:
• The Minny and Paul sign at Target Field
• The Kirby Puckett statue outside Target Field
• The glass facade at Medtronic Plaza outside U.S, Bank Stadium
• The Herb Brooks statue outside Grand Casino Arena
• The Gopher "M" outside 3M Arena at Mariucci

Root, Root, Root for the Home Teams

There is so much for a sports fan to do in Minnesota. We haven't even scratched the surface here. There are also great bars to hang out in for watch parties. For instance, The Rabbit Hole has over 40 big screen TVs and a variety of seating areas to accommodate everything from Vikings fan club watch parties to a small group that just wants a TV flipped to Olympic curling.

Being a Minnesota sports fan can be tough, but the great atmosphere, electric fan bases, exciting teams, gorgeous arenas, and great bars and restaurants help make all the heartache worthwhile. There's nothing quite like sports, and there's no better place to enjoy them than Minnesota.