Spikes, Serves & Sweater Weather: Fall Sports in Minnesota 🍂
As the leaves turn golden and the air gets crisper, Minnesota offers a pretty sweet window for tennis rackets and volleyball spikes. Whether you play for competition, fitness, or fun, Fall in the Twin Cities brings some top-tier options. Here’s your guide to what’s happening, where to go, and how to make the most of it.
Why Fall Is Actually Awesome for These Sports
Courts (both indoor & outdoor) are getting less busy than summer.
You get that exhilaration from brisk air, just cold enough to feel alive, but warm enough to still sweat.
Many leagues & tournaments kick off in fall (especially volleyball), so you can join in from the start.
It’s still daylight enough earlier in the evening for outdoor tennis; indoor facilities also open up.
Tennis: Where to Hit & What’s Going On
Events & Tournaments
The Gopher Invitational at Baseline Tennis Center (Minneapolis) is happening now. Check out their Fall Schedule here: University of Minnesota Athletics+1
USTA tournaments around Eden Prairie: e.g. the Life Time Eden Prairie Fall Tune-Up and Life Time Eden Prairie Boys’ Classic. Good for all levels. playtennis.usta.com
For those interested in tournaments of all levels, UTR Sports has a listing of Minnesota tennis tournaments. app.utrsports.net
Regular Play & Leagues
TennisMinneapolis: they run fall leagues / partner matching; so even if you don’t want to travel, you can find someone to rally with near you. tennisminneapolis.com
For youth & community engagement: Saint Paul Urban Tennis (SPUT) offers fall lessons for kids, leadership-oriented programs, doubles fundraisers, etc. Great for families. stpaulurbantennis.org
Volleyball: Courts, Leagues, and Big Match Vibes
Upcoming Tournaments & Events
Maple Grove has a full slate of coed and over-21 tournaments & leagues this fall. From casual to competitive. Playpass
VBSchedule.com & MN Select Volleyball Club list tournaments, showcases, and playdates in and around the Twin Cities. Perfect for figuring out what fits your schedule & level. vbschedule.com+1
Club Volleyball: Kokoro Volleyball runs Boys Club season from September to March. If you or someone you know wants club-level competition, that's strong. kokorovolleyball.com
Leagues & Casual Play
Stonewall Sports – Minneapolis focuses on creating inclusive, LGBTQ+ friendly leagues, with volleyball as one of their most popular fall offerings. stonewallsports.org/minneapolis
CSC Sports runs year-round volleyball (and other sports) leagues in Minneapolis and St. Paul, from beginner-friendly to highly competitive. It’s a great way to meet people while keeping active. cscsports.com
Coed tournaments at local bars/taverns in Maple Grove: these are social AND competitive in a low-pressure way. Good for friends or mixed groups. Playpass
For younger players, MN Select offers half-day or single day playdates/tournaments. Great to try-out without major time commitment. mnselect.com
How to Prepare
Gear: As temps drop, have layers. For tennis, moisture-wicking long sleeves for early morning / late evening; indoor courts need good non-marking shoes. Volleyball indoor courts = grip matters.
Facilities: Indoor court fees rise, some courts require memberships. Always check ahead whether courts are open or need reservations.
Weather / Scheduling: For outdoors, late September is still okay; once October hits, shift to indoor. For volleyball, many events indoors, but travel time & weekend dates fill fast. Register early.
Community & Safety: With fall comes changing daylight. For outdoor play, pick well-lit courts. For kids or mixed groups, check credentials / supervision for clubs.
Local Twin Cities Gear Stores & Resources
5011 Excelsior Blvd, Minneapolis, MN 55416.
Largest independent racquet shop in the Midwest; huge selection of rackets, balls, shoes; expert stringing services. Ideal for Tennis players who want specialist advice & try-before-you-buy options.
1599 Selby Ave., Saint Paul, MN 55104.
Boutique feel, top brands (Wilson, Babolat, Head, etc), custom stringing, great apparel & shoes. Ideal for Players who want both quality gear and great customer service in a stylish space.
Maple Grove, Minnesota.
Carries tennis & pickleball gear, has shoe/apparel, racket restringing, and “team apparel/designs. Good if you’re north of the city; useful for both tennis & pickleball crossover.
Midwest Volleyball Warehouse (MVW)
(Online + physical presence) servicing Midwest.
Big selection of volleyball equipment, accessories, apparel; for local clubs and players.Volleyball players needing everything from balls to nets to uniforms.
Final Serve
If you’ve been itching to get back on court, fall 2025 in MN is your chance. Mix up competition with social play, invest in a good indoor facility membership, and don’t wait for perfect weather. The breeze off a good serve or spike in October? Priceless!
