Heading to Allianz Field? Here’s When You ACTUALLY Need to Arrive for Parking
So, you've got tickets to see Minnesota United at Allianz Field. Awesome! The energy, the chants, the beautiful game – it's an incredible experience. But let's be honest, there's one pre-game hurdle that can spike your stress levels before you even hear the first whistle: parking. Figuring out the logistics of getting to the stadium & finding a decent spot can feel like a game in itself.
I've been there, circling lots, getting stuck in traffic, & wondering if I should've just stayed home & watched on TV. But don't worry, I'm here to give you the real inside scoop. This isn't just about finding a parking spot; it's about finding the right one for you without losing your mind in the process. We're going to break down everything you need to know to make your arrival as smooth as the turf on the field.
The Golden Question: How Early Should You Really Get There?
Let's cut right to the chase. The official line is that parking lots generally open 2.5 hours before kickoff. Stadium gates usually open 90 minutes before the game starts. Now, does that mean you should roll up exactly 2.5 hours beforehand? Honestly, it depends on your tolerance for stress & how close you want to be.
Here’s my take, based on experience & what the experts say:
For the "I Want It Easy & Close" Fan: 3+ Hours Early
If you're the type who wants to park, relax, maybe tailgate a bit (more on that later), & not feel rushed, I'd aim to get into the Midway area at least 3 hours before kickoff. Why so early?
- Beat the Rush: Traffic around the stadium, especially on Snelling & University Avenues & the I-94 ramps, gets seriously congested. It's already a busy area, & adding nearly 20,000 soccer fans to the mix makes it a whole other level of chaos. Getting there early means you miss the peak crush of cars all trying to get to the same place at the same time.
- Guaranteed Spot: The lots closest to the stadium fill up FAST. We're talking about the "Single-Game Lots" that are a 5-10 minute walk. These are the most convenient & therefore the most popular. Arriving early gives you the best shot at snagging one of these prime spots.
- Pre-Game Vibe: Part of the fun is soaking in the atmosphere! Arrive early, & you can check out the pre-game festivities, grab some food without a massive line, or just chill.
For the "I'm Okay with a Little Walk" Fan: 2-2.5 Hours Early
If you don't mind a bit of a walk & want a good balance, arriving right when the lots officially open is a solid plan. At this point, you'll still have a good selection of spots, though the absolute closest might be gone.
You'll be looking at the "Easy-In Lots" (about a 15-minute walk) or the "Best Value Lots" (a 20-minute walk). The trade-off for a slightly longer stroll is usually a lower price & an easier exit after the game. A 2.5-hour arrival window is the sweet spot for many, offering a good mix of convenience & cost without requiring you to dedicate your entire day to the game.
For the "I Thrive on Chaos & Last-Minute Deals" Fan: 1.5 Hours Early or Less
Alright, you like to live dangerously. Arriving an hour and a half before the game or later means you're rolling the dice. The official lots might be full or close to it. You'll almost certainly have to park further away & walk. Traffic will be at its peak, & your patience will be tested.
This is where you need a backup plan. Or, better yet, a secret weapon.
Decoding the Allianz Field Parking Puzzle
Here's the thing about Allianz Field: it was designed with a "transit-first" mentality. Parking is intentionally limited to encourage fans to use other options. This is great for the environment & city planning, but it can be a headache if you're set on driving.
Official Lots: Know Your Options
Minnesota United offers several official parking lots, & you can (and absolutely should) pre-purchase your spot through SeatGeek. This is probably the single best piece of advice I can give you. Don't just show up hoping for the best. Booking in advance guarantees you have a spot waiting for you.
The lots are categorized by distance & price:
- Single-Game Lots: These are the closest & most convenient, typically a 5-10 minute walk. They sell out the quickest.
- Easy-In Lots: A bit further out, about a 15-minute walk. As the name suggests, they are often easier to get out of after the game.
- Best Value Lots: The most affordable option, but also the furthest, requiring a 20-minute walk.
- Accessibility Parking: If you have accessibility needs, the club recommends purchasing a pass for the Cub Foods Lot.
A major heads-up for 2025: I-94 is undergoing significant construction, with full & partial closures expected. This will make driving & parking even more challenging, so planning ahead is CRITICAL.
The Unofficial Game: Street Parking & Neighborhood Spots
You'll see people trying to find street parking in the nearby Hamline-Midway neighborhood. I'm going to be blunt: this is a risky move. The city & team actively discourage it, & for good reason. You risk getting ticketed or even towed, & it can be disruptive to the residents who live there. If you do find a legal spot, be prepared to walk 5-7 blocks or more & be EXTRA respectful of the neighborhood.
This is where thinking outside the box comes in handy. Many homeowners in the area have driveways or garage spots they aren't using on game days. This is where a service like Prked can be a total game-changer. Prked connects drivers looking for convenient parking with local homeowners who have available spaces. You can book a private driveway spot in advance, often closer than the "Best Value" lots, & know exactly where you're going. It takes the guesswork out of the equation & can be a more affordable & less stressful alternative to the official lots, especially if they're sold out. It’s a pretty cool way to find a guaranteed spot & support a local resident at the same time.
Ditching the Car Altogether: The Smartest Move?
Honestly, the easiest way to get to Allianz Field is to not drive at all. The public transit infrastructure around the stadium is fantastic & heavily promoted by the team.
Take the Train: The Green Line is Your Best Friend
The METRO Green Line light rail literally has a stop (Snelling Avenue Station) right across the street from the stadium. It runs between downtown Minneapolis & downtown St. Paul, with trains arriving roughly every 15 minutes. You can buy an all-day pass, which makes the trip home a breeze because you don't have to fumble with tickets. This is, without a doubt, one of the most popular & efficient ways to get to the game.
Hop on the Bus: The A-Line & More
The METRO A-Line is a bus rapid transit (BRT) line that also stops right near the stadium on Snelling Avenue. It's fast, frequent, & connects to other major transit hubs. Several other local bus routes also service the area, making it accessible from almost anywhere in the Twin Cities.
Park-and-Ride: The Best of Both Worlds
If you live further out & public transit isn't convenient from your starting point, the park-and-ride option is your golden ticket. Here are a couple of great choices:
- Downtown St. Paul Ramps: The city makes four downtown parking ramps (Smith, 7A, Lowertown, & Block 19) available for a flat rate of $5 on game days, starting two hours before kickoff. From there, you can easily hop on the Green Line for a short ride to the stadium.
- Minnesota State Fairgrounds: This is a classic option. You can park at the fairgrounds (for a fee) & take a shuttle directly to the stadium. This is also one of the few approved places for tailgating, so you can make a whole day of it!
Other Great Options
- Rideshare (Uber/Lyft): There are designated drop-off & pick-up zones on the east side of the stadium. This is super convenient for getting there, but be prepared for surge pricing & potential waits when leaving with 20,000 other people.
- Biking: Allianz Field is VERY bike-friendly, with 400 bike parking spots on-site. If you live within a reasonable distance, this is a fantastic, free, & healthy way to get to the game.
A Quick-Look Game Day Timeline
To put it all together, here’s a sample timeline for a 7:30 PM kickoff if you plan to drive & park:
- 4:30 PM: Leave your house. Yes, this early. Factor in the I-94 construction & general game day traffic. It's better to be early & relaxed than late & stressed.
- 5:00 PM: Arrive in the stadium area. The official lots are open. You have your pre-booked pass ready (either for an official lot or your Prked spot).
- 5:15 PM: You're parked! You've got a 10-15 minute walk ahead of you.
- 5:30 PM: You're at the stadium. Gates aren't open yet, but you can soak in the pre-game atmosphere, maybe grab a bite from a nearby spot.
- 6:00 PM: Stadium gates open. You can head in, find your seats, explore the stadium, & watch the teams warm up.
- 7:30 PM: Kickoff! You're in your seat, relaxed, & ready to cheer on the Loons, with no parking-related stress in sight.
Final Thoughts
Getting to Allianz Field doesn't have to be an ordeal. The key is to plan ahead. Decide how you want to get there & commit. If you're driving, book your parking in advance, whether it's an official lot or a convenient driveway spot through Prked. Give yourself WAY more time than you think you need. The absolute worst-case scenario is that you have extra time to hang out & get excited for the match, which isn't so bad, is it?
The stadium experience is incredible, & you don't want to let a frustrating travel & parking situation ruin it. With a little bit of planning, you can focus on what really matters: the beautiful game.
Hope this was helpful & go Loons! Let me know what you think in the comments.
