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Target Center Guide

NBA · Minneapolis

Last updated: 3/4/2026

Target Center sits in downtown Minneapolis's Warehouse District, a short walk from the Hennepin Avenue station on the Blue and Green light rail lines. Timberwolves and Lynx games put you in the middle of the city's densest restaurant and bar cluster, with Kieran's Irish Pub and the North Loop brewery scene filling the pre-game hours. Downtown hotels are genuinely walkable to the arena, and the skyway system means you never have to step into a Minnesota winter if you plan your route.

At a glance

Bag policy
Small bags only
Cashless
Cashless
Re-entry
No re-entry
Gates open
Gates open 2h before
Outside food
No outside food
Getting here
Target Center is accessible via Metro Transit bus lines (including routes 4, 5, 9, 14, 22, 61, 94, and METRO C & D Lines) and the Blue and Green Metro Transit light rail lines, with the Warehouse District/Hennepin Avenue Station being a short walk away.
Family friendly
Guest Services offers assistance with lost guests, feminine hygiene products, and first aid facilities.

No upcoming multi-sport weekend featuring Target Center on the calendar. See Minneapolis home weekends on the city hub →

Where to stay for Target Center

Downtown Minneapolis is the ideal neighborhood for hotels, with many options within walking distance. Notable hotels include The Marquette Hotel, Hyatt Place Minneapolis Downtown, The Royal Sonesta Minneapolis Downtown, The Lofton Hotel, and Embassy Suites by Hilton Minneapolis Downtown.

Downtown West

Downtown West is a lively neighborhood known for its excellent public transit, diverse dining, shopping, and entertainment options along the pedestrian-friendly Nicollet Mall. It is considered one of the safest neighborhoods in the downtown area.

The neighborhood offers excellent public transit with easy access to the METRO Blue and Green light rail lines and numerous bus routes. The Blue Line connects directly to Target Field Station.

North Loop

The North Loop is a trendy neighborhood known for its boutiques, highly-rated restaurants, stylish bars, and proximity to parks and trails along the Mississippi River.

The area is well-served by several Metro Transit bus routes and a light rail station. The Blue Line of the Metro light rail starts at Target Field, providing easy access to other Twin Cities attractions.

Loring Park

Loring Park offers a mix of urban and suburban vibes, with green spaces and a strong community feel, while being in close proximity to the city center.

Residents benefit from quick commutes to Downtown Minneapolis, which provides access to the METRO Blue and Green light rail lines and numerous bus routes.

Elliot Park

Elliot Park is one of Minneapolis' oldest communities, ideally situated just outside the Downtown area. It offers a variety of restaurants, bars, and coffee shops.

Considered a 'transit rider's paradise' with approximately 19 bus lines running through the neighborhood, providing excellent access to downtown and surrounding areas.

See full Minneapolis stay guide →

Arrival and exit strategy

Transit and approach

Target Center is accessible via Metro Transit bus lines (including routes 4, 5, 9, 14, 22, 61, 94, and METRO C & D Lines) and the Blue and Green Metro Transit light rail lines, with the Warehouse District/Hennepin Avenue Station being a short walk away.

Rideshare and parking

Rideshare: Designated rideshare pickup and drop-off zones are located along 1st Avenue North and 6th Street, directly in front of the arena. These areas are well-marked for easy access.

Parking: Target Center recommends booking convenient and affordable parking in advance through SpotHero. Life Time members may receive discounted rates at the Mayo Clinic Parking Garage and Hawthorne Parking Ramp. There are approximately 25,000 parking spaces available across various lots and ramps in downtown Minneapolis.

After the event

Options for post-game late-night activities near Target Center include Kieran's Irish Pub (open until 1-2 AM on Friday/Saturday/event nights), Tom's Watch Bar (promoted as an official post-game headquarters), and Last Call, which is open until 2 AM. The surrounding downtown area also offers numerous other bars and restaurants.

Works well with these Minneapolis venues

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The game-day experience

  • Atmosphere area: Target Center is situated in Downtown Minneapolis, specifically within its vibrant sports and entertainment district, also known as the Warehouse District.
  • Tailgating: All tailgating activities are prohibited in the Target Center parking ramps.
  • Signature food: Concession options at Target Center include a variety of choices such as Chicken Shack, Northwood Diner, Frozen Spoon, Rolling Smoke, hot dogs, pizza, barbecue, and Mexican and Asian cuisine. No single dish is widely promoted as the venue's signature food item.
  • Pregame institution: Kieran's Irish Pub (85 N 6th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55403)

Where to eat and drink nearby

Pregame picks

  • Tom's Watch Bar - Minneapolis
    609 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403 · Downtown Minneapolis

    Renowned for its massive 360° screens (100+ screens) and energetic crowd, offering an unparalleled viewing experience for all major sporting events. It's considered Minneapolis' biggest sports bar and party, with a vibrant atmosphere, excellent service, and a consistent audio feed for games.

    What to order: Elevated sports bar classics, chef-driven dishes, bold flavors, Nashville Hot Crispy Chicken, Walleye Fish Chips, Tom's Burger, Buffalo Chicken Tenders, Prime Rib Dip, and an extensive selection of beers and specialty cocktails.

  • Brit's Pub
    1110 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55403 · Downtown Minneapolis

    A Minneapolis institution since 1990, offering an authentic British pub feel with multiple screens for watching a wide array of sports, especially football (soccer). It boasts a unique rooftop lawn (English Garden Park) for warmer months and is known for its extensive selection of British beers and friendly service.

    What to order: Tender fish and chips, shepherd's pie, Scotch eggs, chicken tikka, the Royal platter, Mac and cheese bites, and various layered beers like a black and tan.

  • The Office Pub & Grill
    307 Washington Ave N, Minneapolis, MN 55401 · North Loop

    Known as a 'Best Kept Secret for Watching Football', this sports bar offers 18 HDTVs with six satellites, ensuring a wide range of sports. It's within walking distance of major venues and features an extensive casual menu, over 20 beers on tap, and a year-round heated pet-friendly patio.

    What to order: Sharable appetizers, salads, burgers, sandwiches, entrees, with a full wine lineup and top-shelf liquor available.

  • Gluek's Bar & Restaurant
    16 N 6th St, Minneapolis, MN 55403 · Downtown Minneapolis

    Established in 1934, it's the oldest restaurant in downtown Minneapolis, housed in a historic 1902 Bavarian beer hall building. It's praised for its lively atmosphere, delicious German-inspired food, wide variety of drinks (including Gluek Beer, Minnesota's oldest beer label), and often features live music.

    What to order: German-inspired entrees, assorted bratwurst, sausages, grilled sandwiches, Beef Stroganoff, Walleye Fish n' Chips, Friday Fish Fry, Berliner (pot roast sandwich), spaetzle Mac & Cheese, pretzel sticks, and dunkel beer.

  • The Local - Minneapolis
    931 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55402 · Downtown Minneapolis

    A well-established pub especially known for its serious soccer coverage of European leagues and international competitions. It fosters an engaged and energetic crowd, often opening early for key matches and offering specials on pints and food during game days.

    What to order: Pints and food specials, particularly on match days.

Postgame spots

  • Cowboy Jack's Downtown Minneapolis
    126 N 5th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55401 · Downtown Minneapolis

    A popular, lively spot with a 'honky-tonk' atmosphere, especially appealing after games. It features three floors, including a rooftop patio, and offers standard bar food with a Western twist, affordable drinks, and often has DJs or live music.

    What to order: Wings, sliders, quesadillas, sweet fries, walleye, and a selection of draft beer, wine, and whiskey. A brunch menu is also available on weekends.