8/9/25

Allianz Field Parking: The Ultimate Guide to Arriving Early & Stress-Free

So, you've got your tickets to see Minnesota United at the incredible Allianz Field. The excitement is building, you're picturing the roar of the crowd, the stunning light show, & maybe even celebrating a win with a chorus of "Wonderwall." But then, a little bit of dread starts to creep in… the parking. It’s the age-old question for any major sporting event: how early do you really need to get there?
Honestly, the answer isn't a simple "one hour before kickoff." It really depends on what kind of game day experience you're looking for. Are you the type who wants to soak in every second of the pre-game hype? Or are you more of a "get in, watch the game, get out" kind of fan?
As someone who's navigated the controlled chaos of game day in the Midway neighborhood of St. Paul more than a few times, I'm here to give you the inside scoop. We'll break it all down so you can plan your arrival like a seasoned pro.

The Official Word on Parking & Why It Matters

First things first, let's talk about the official parking situation at Allianz Field. Minnesota United has a handful of dedicated lots surrounding the stadium, & they generally open about 2.5 hours before kickoff. You can often pre-purchase a parking pass through SeatGeek up to three hours before the match, which is something I HIGHLY recommend. There’s nothing worse than circling lots, praying for a spot, when you could be starting your game day fun.
Here's a quick rundown of the types of lots you'll find:
  • Single-Game Lots: These are your go-to public lots, usually within a 5-10 minute walk of the stadium. They're convenient, but they do fill up.
  • Easy-In Lots: A bit of a longer walk, around 15 minutes, but as the name suggests, they're generally less congested when it's time to head home.
  • Best Value Lots: If you don't mind a bit of a stroll (think a 20-minute walk), these lots are the most budget-friendly.
Now, here's the thing to remember: these lots are not a secret. They are the most obvious choice for thousands of fans descending on the same area at the same time. This is why the "how early" question is so critical.

Your Game Day Persona: A Guide to Arrival Times

To really nail down your arrival time, you need to figure out what kind of fan you are. Let's explore a few scenarios:

The "All-In" Fan: Arriving 3+ Hours Early

This is for the fan who wants the FULL Minnesota United experience. You're not just here for the 90 minutes of soccer; you're here for the whole shebang. If this is you, here's what your day looks like & why you're getting there so early:
  • The Pre-Game Festivities: The area around Allianz Field comes alive well before the first whistle. The "Lawn Layover" on the Great Lawn, located on the north side of the stadium, is a fantastic spot to kick things off. It's free for everyone & often features live music or a DJ, lawn games, & interactive stuff from team partners. This is where the real pre-game buzz starts.
  • Hitting the Brew Hall: Inside the stadium's north end is the Brew Hall, a massive space with 96 taps of beer. It's a popular spot for fans to gather, grab a bite, & talk strategy before the match. It's also home to the Black and Blue Team Store, so you can get your gear & even get a jersey customized.
  • Neighborhood Bar Scene: The Midway area has some great local spots that have become part of the pre-game ritual for many fans. Black Hart of Saint Paul is a well-known soccer bar that embraces the LGBTQ+ community, making it a vibrant & inclusive spot to grab a drink. BlackStack Brewing is another popular choice just a short drive away.
  • Zero-Stress Parking: By arriving this early, you're pretty much guaranteed to get a spot in one of the closer lots, especially if you've pre-purchased. You can park your car, relax, & enjoy the atmosphere without constantly checking the clock.
Your Timeline: For the "All-In" fan, I'd say arriving 3 to 3.5 hours before kickoff is the sweet spot. This gives you plenty of time to park, wander over to the Great Lawn, grab a drink or some food, & still get into the stadium to watch the players warm up without feeling rushed.

The "Balanced" Fan: Arriving 2-2.5 Hours Early

Maybe you're not looking to spend your entire afternoon at the stadium, but you also don't want to be sprinting to your seat at kickoff. You want to enjoy some of the atmosphere but are a bit more focused on the match itself.
  • Securing a Decent Spot: Arriving in this window still gives you a good shot at getting a spot in one of the official lots, especially the "Easy-In" or "Best Value" lots. You might have to walk a little further, but you'll avoid the worst of the traffic.
  • A Taste of the Pre-Game: You'll still have time to walk through the Lawn Layover & feel the energy, even if you're not spending hours there. You can grab a quick bite from one of the food trucks that are often on-site or head straight into the stadium to explore the concessions. Allianz Field has some pretty amazing & diverse food options, from J. Selby's plant-based fare to local favorites like Union Hmong Kitchen.
  • The "Wonderwall" Experience: If you have tickets for the "Wonderwall" supporters' section, arriving a bit earlier is a good idea. Since it's general admission, getting there early allows you to find a good spot to stand with fan groups like the Dark Clouds & True North Elite.
Your Timeline: Aiming to park your car 2 to 2.5 hours before the match starts is a solid plan for the "Balanced" fan. This is the official opening time for the lots, so you'll be right on time to snag a spot & have a comfortable amount of time before the game.

The "Just in Time" Fan: Arriving 1-1.5 Hours Early

Look, I get it. Sometimes life is busy, or maybe you're just not someone who needs all the pre-game fanfare. You're there for the soccer, plain & simple.
  • The Parking Challenge: This is where things get tricky. The official lots will likely be full or close to it. This is where you need to have a backup plan. You might get lucky with a spot in one of the "Best Value" lots, but be prepared for a 20-minute walk.
  • Street Parking Savvy: Many fans in this situation turn to street parking in the surrounding neighborhoods. If you go this route, be prepared to walk several blocks & be EXTREMELY respectful of the residents. Pay close attention to any posted parking restrictions.
  • The Prked Solution: Honestly, if you know you're going to be cutting it close, this is where a service like Prked can be an absolute game-changer. Prked connects you with homeowners in the area who are renting out their driveways or garages. You can book a spot in advance, know exactly where you're going, & often find a spot that's closer than the official "Best Value" lots without the uncertainty of street parking. It takes so much of the stress out of the equation.
  • Rushing to Your Seat: Arriving this late means you'll be cutting it fine. You'll likely head straight to the gates, which generally open 90 minutes before kickoff, & then to your seat.
Your Timeline: If you're aiming for this window, you need to be strategic. I'd suggest arriving at least 90 minutes before kickoff to give yourself a fighting chance with parking & getting through security.

The X-Factor: The I-94 Construction

Here’s a crucial heads-up for anyone driving to Allianz Field in 2025: there is significant construction planned for I-94. The Minnesota Department of Transportation has a number of projects, including bridge repairs, that will likely lead to lane closures & delays. This makes arriving early even MORE important. Be sure to check the MnDOT website or the 511 app for the latest traffic updates before you head out.

What About Tailgating?

This is a big question for many sports fans. And at Allianz Field, the answer is a firm no. Tailgating is prohibited in the official stadium lots. However, there is a bit of a workaround. The team sometimes partners with the Minnesota State Fairgrounds for a park-and-ride service, & tailgating IS allowed there. So, if grilling & pre-game beers are a non-negotiable part of your experience, this is the option for you. Just be sure to check if this service is available for the game you're attending.

Alternative Transportation: The Easiest Way to Avoid the Hassle

Honestly, one of the best pieces of advice I can give you is to consider not driving at all. The stadium is incredibly well-serviced by public transportation.
  • Metro Transit Green Line: The light rail has a stop right at Snelling Avenue, just a stone's throw from the stadium. It's a fantastic option if you're coming from Minneapolis or other parts of St. Paul.
  • A-Line Bus: This is a rapid bus line that also has a convenient stop near the stadium.
  • Biking: Allianz Field is very bike-friendly, with 400 bike parking spots available.
  • Rideshare: There are designated drop-off & pick-up points for services like Uber & Lyft.
By taking one of these options, you completely eliminate the stress of parking & can enjoy your day without worrying about traffic.

The Final Whistle

So, how early should you arrive at Allianz Field? As you can see, it's all about what you want to get out of your day.
  • For the full pre-game experience, aim for 3+ hours before kickoff.
  • For a balanced approach, 2-2.5 hours is your sweet spot.
  • If you're cutting it close, give yourself at least 90 minutes & have a solid parking plan, whether that's street parking, a value lot, or a pre-booked spot through a service like Prked.
No matter when you decide to arrive, the atmosphere at Allianz Field is electric. From the passionate chants of the Wonderwall to the stunning architecture of the stadium itself, it's a truly special place to watch a soccer match. A little bit of planning can go a long way in making sure your game day is memorable for all the right reasons.
Hope this was helpful, & enjoy the game! Let me know what you think in the comments.
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