Plan ahead for the first dual Twins and Vikings games Sept. 2
The first concurrent Twins and Vikings games will bring big crowds to downtown Minneapolis the evening of Thursday, Sept. 2. As many as 100,000 people could fill Target Field and Mall of America Field at the H.H.H. Metrodome, so it’s important that folks plan ahead and explore their transportation options. The City of Minneapolis, Metro Transit, the Minnesota Twins, the Minnesota Vikings, and many other partners are working together to mitigate traffic congestion as much as possible and to spread the word to people who are coming Downtown the evening of Sept. 2 so they can plan ahead.
Events on Sept. 2:
- Vikings game vs. the Denver Broncos – 7 p.m. at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome – Doors open at 5 p.m.
- Twins game vs. the Detroit Tigers – 7:10 p.m. at Target Field – Gates open at 5:30 p.m.
- Wicked – 7:30 p.m. at the Orpheum Theatre – Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Here’s what people coming Downtown that evening need to know about getting around:
- Parking - If you need to drive to the game, Vikings fans should try to park near the Metrodome, and Twins parkers are encouraged to park near Target Field. This will help reduce the amount of traffic crossing through Downtown and help mitigate congestion. The City will use more than 50 dynamic messaging signs Downtown to help Twins fans find parking on the west side of Downtown and help Vikings fans find parking on the east side of Downtown.
- Light-rail – Because Hiawatha Light-Rail trains will be full, Metro Transit will use buses to supplement light-rail service, both before and after the games. Before the games, buses will pick up passengers at the 28th Avenue Station and Fort Snelling Station and go to both the Metrodome and Target Field. After the games, separate sets of buses will depart both venues and deliver passengers back to Fort Snelling Station and the 28th Avenue Station.
- Commuter rail - For the Sept. 2 games, an eight-car Northstar train will leave Big lake Station at 5:03 p.m. and, after stops in Elk River, Anoka, Coon Rapids and Fridley, will arrive at Target Field Station at about 6:10 p.m. Fans headed to the Vikings game will make a free transfer to the Hiawatha light-rail line for the short trip to the Metrodome.
- Two Northstar trains will operate postgame – one leaving Target Field 30 minutes after the Twins game and another one hour after the Vikings game.
- Northstar roundtrip family passes are available from ticket machines at Northstar’s suburban stations. Prices for a family of five – two adults and three kids ages 6 through 17 – range from $8 roundtrip at Fridley Station to $17 roundtrip at Big Lake Station.
- Route 679 - Metro Transit Route 679 is available for people from the west metro who are heading to the Twins game. Buses for this game will leave from the surface parking lot on the northwest corner of County Road 73 and I-394 beginning two hours before the Twins game with return service for one hour after the last out. Please note Route 679 ends at Target Field and does not serve the Metrodome directly.
- Directing traffic - More than 30 traffic control agents, Metro Transit police, Minneapolis police reserves, and Public Works traffic assistants will help manage vehicles and pedestrians at intersections near the Metrodome and Target Field.
- Traffic signal timing – Minneapolis Public Works will use a special traffic signal timing designed to move large volumes of traffic as efficiently as possible the evening of the games.
Getting where you’re going
Downtown is an urban setting that provides transportation opportunities to meet everyone’s desired experience, whether you want to drive, ride a bus, take a train, or bike or walk.
When visiting Downtown, Target Field, or the Metrodome, there are four tips people should remember to minimize delays and maximize their enjoyment of all the activities happening Downtown.
- Plan ahead – Visit Vikings.com to learn more about all your transportation choices.
- Know your parking options – There is parking availability throughout Downtown. If you prefer convenient access to Target Field, the adjacent A,B,C, and Hawthorne ramps have plenty of capacity. The eastern side of Downtown near the Metrodome has many ramps and surface parking lots.
- Consider transit – Although Target Field and the Metrodome are extremely transit -friendly facilities, for Sept. 2 games, fans using transit should start their trips early, expect full buses and trains, anticipate delays and be patient.
- Bicycles are another great way to the games – Bicyclists are reminded to use headlights and taillights after dark and, if possible, to wear light or reflective clothing.
- Come early/Stay late – Take part in activities, shopping, dining, and other entertainment before and after games and concerts. Enjoy the extra time to experience all Downtown has to offer, and avoid transportation delays.
Managing traffic
The City of Minneapolis takes a number of steps to manage traffic during dual events. The volume of pedestrians, bikes, and cars Downtown before and after these events means increased traffic, but there are several ways the City works to improve operations and minimize congestion, including:
Traffic control agents are at many Downtown intersections during peak times before and after the events. Traffic control agents at intersections are key to maintaining traffic flow and improving pedestrian safety when traffic volumes are high.
Special traffic signal timing patterns are used to move high numbers of vehicles during events.
Dynamic messaging signs throughout Downtown provide drivers with real-time information as they move around the area. There are currently more than 50 of these signs Downtown, which are used to direct people to parking, to notify drivers when key parking ramps fill, and to help drivers find their way around.
Making event days a great experience
Many City departments, the Minnesota Twins, Minnesota Ballpark Authority, Target Center, the Minnesota Vikings, the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, the Minnesota Department of Transportation, Hennepin County, Metro Transit, ABC Ramps, the Warehouse District Business Association, and others are all taking steps to make event days in Downtown success. To help fans plan ahead and make the most of their experience Downtown, these partners have collaborated to create DestinationTargetField.com on the Minnesota Twins website. The site helps folks explore all their options for getting to Downtown events, whether it’s by car, on a bus or train, or by biking or walking.
Published Aug. 27, 2010