Game Day in the Twin Cities: Where to Watch Football, Basketball & Hockey This Fall
Fall in Minnesota is more than golden leaves and cozy nights, it’s the holy trinity of sports season. Vikings football is in full swing, Timberwolves basketball is tipping off, and the Minnesota Wild are hitting the ice. For fans, it’s the ultimate time of year to cheer, snack, sip, and celebrate!
But here’s the question: where should you go? Whether you’re looking for a buzzing sports bar with a massive screen, a craft brewery with great game-day vibes, or a seat inside the stadium itself, we’ve got you covered with the top-rated spots and venues in the Twin Cities.
Football: Minnesota Vikings & Gophers
Catch It Live
U.S. Bank Stadium – Minneapolis
Home to the Minnesota Vikings, U.S. Bank Stadium is a bucket-list experience for football fans. The atmosphere is electric, the architecture is stunning, and you’ll feel the roar of SKOL chants all around.
🎟️ Tickets: Vikings Official Site
Huntington Bank Stadium – Minneapolis
Nothing says fall like Big Ten football. University of Minnesota Gophers games bring classic college spirit, tailgating, and crisp fall air to every Saturday.
🎟️ Tickets: Gophers Football Tickets
Where to Watch
Tom’s Watch Bar – Minneapolis
With a giant stadium screen and dozens of TVs, Tom’s is football heaven for those who want every play in larger-than-life detail.
Surly Brewing Company – Prospect Park
Surly is practically a tradition on game days, with an expansive beer hall, artisan pizza, and plenty of screens to catch the action after a morning tailgate.
Basketball: Timberwolves & Gophers
Catch It Live
Target Center – Minneapolis
Watch the Minnesota Timberwolves light up the court. From the energy of opening night to highlight-reel dunks, nothing compares to being there live.
🎟️ Tickets: Timberwolves Official Site
Williams Arena – Minneapolis
Known as “The Barn,” this historic venue is home to Gophers basketball and one of the most unique college basketball atmospheres in the country.
🎟️ Tickets: Gophers Basketball Tickets
Where to Watch
The Loop West End – St. Louis Park
An upscale but lively spot to catch Timberwolves games while sipping a craft cocktail or sampling fan-favorite appetizers.
Stanley’s Northeast Bar Room – Minneapolis
With a cozy fall vibe, Stanley’s brings locals together for Wolves games, perfect for those who want to cheer in a more laid-back but passionate setting.
Hockey: Minnesota Wild & Gophers
Catch It Live
Xcel Energy Center – St. Paul
The home of the Minnesota Wild, the “State of Hockey” truly comes alive here. From the anthem to overtime thrillers, it’s one of the most iconic hockey experiences in the country.
🎟️ Tickets: Minnesota Wild Official Site
3M Arena at Mariucci – Minneapolis
If you want to see future NHL stars in action, Gopher hockey is a must. Mariucci is famous for its history, atmosphere, and die-hard fan base.
🎟️ Tickets: Gopher Hockey Tickets
Where to Watch
O’Shaughnessy Distilling Co. – Minneapolis
Hockey fans looking for a more elevated experience can sip award-winning whiskey while catching the Wild on big screens in a polished setting.
Mackenzie Pub – Minneapolis
A craft beer-focused gem with loyal locals, Mackenzie offers a cozy and intimate place to follow every Wild game and college hockey clash.
The Ultimate Fall Sports Weekend in Minnesota
For the die-hard fan, why not make a weekend itinerary out of it?
Friday Night → Gophers hockey at Mariucci or a Timberwolves home game at Target Center.
Saturday → Tailgate and cheer on the Gophers football team at Huntington Bank Stadium.
Sunday → Vikings game at U.S. Bank Stadium, then cap it off with a Wild game at Xcel Energy Center.
When you can’t be in the stadium, grab a table at Tom’s Watch Bar or Surly Brewing and soak in the collective energy of Minnesota fans.
Fall in Minnesota is a celebration of sports, community, and tradition. Whether you’re chanting SKOL at U.S. Bank, catching a buzzer-beater downtown, or warming up with whiskey while watching a Wild power play, the Twin Cities offers endless ways to experience the season.
And this is just the start, discover more insider guides, local highlights, and can’t-miss events in The Local: Fall Edition, your seasonal playbook for everything happening across the Twin Cities and beyond. Stay tuned, we’ll keep you updated once it’s published!
So grab your jersey, call your crew and get ready because in Minnesota, fall isn’t just about football, basketball, or hockey. It’s all three, all season long!
