Game Day and Beyond

WNBA team guides

Minnesota Lynx

Venue and travel guide

Venue and location

Address

600 First Avenue North

Source statement; not independently verified.

City

Minneapolis

Source statement; not independently verified.

Phone

(612) 673-1300

Source statement; not independently verified.

State

MN

Source statement; not independently verified.

Venue name

Target Center

Source statement; not independently verified.

Zip code

55403

Source statement; not independently verified.

Parking

Cheapest

Independent lots and ramps a few blocks east of the arena, often under $10; advance booking via SpotHero/ParkMobile for discounts

Source statement; not independently verified.

Guide url

https://www.targetcenter.com/plan-your-visit-1/parking

Source statement; not independently verified.

Accessible parking

ADA parking available in Ramps A and B; guests needing elevator access should park there and enter on skyway level

Source statement; not independently verified.

Overnight

Not generally offered for event parking; overnight bus/motor-coach parking is $40 (standard bus parking $30) via mplsparking.com

Source statement; not independently verified.

Payment

Credit/debit and mobile apps (SpotHero, ParkMobile, ParkWhiz); drive-up accepted at most ramps

Source statement; not independently verified.

Prepaid

Yes — recommended via SpotHero (up to 50% off drive-up), plus ParkMobile and ParkWhiz

Source statement; not independently verified.

Prices

Event rates at Ramps A and B typically start around $10 and rise with demand; bargain independent lots east of the arena can run under $10 with a short walk

Source statement; not independently verified.

Overview

Target Center offers multiple parking options: Ramp A (connected via skyway at 601 1st Ave N), Ramp B (516 2nd Ave N), Ramp C (connected via skyway at 431 3rd Ave N), and Hawthorne Ramp. Pre-paid parking is available through ParkWhiz. Event rates typically range from $10-$25. ADA parking is available in all ramps near elevator access points. The Minneapolis Skyway System connects parking ramps directly to the arena.

Source statement; not independently verified.

Public transport

Nearly 25,000 spaces in 38 downtown lots/ramps, most with bus or light-rail connections; Metro Transit Blue/Green light-rail and many bus lines serve the arena

Source statement; not independently verified.

Tailgating

N/A — indoor arena (no tailgating; downtown ramp/lot setting)

Source statement; not independently verified.

Traffic

I-94 reduced to two lanes (eastbound) and ongoing I-94/I-394 bridge and ramp repair between downtown and Hwy 100; confirm routes before departure

Source statement; not independently verified.

Types

Skyway-connected ramps (A, B, C, Mayo Clinic Square), municipal lots/ramps, limited metered on-street, and numerous independent lots east of the arena

Source statement; not independently verified.

Rideshare

Accessibility

ADA drop-off/pick-up lane on 1st Avenue in front of the building (Life Time Lobby) can be used for accessible rideshare

Source statement; not independently verified.

Other services

Taxis and standard downtown for-hire services available

Source statement; not independently verified.

Peak notes

Streets are busy immediately before and after events; expect surge pricing and delays at the final buzzer

Source statement; not independently verified.

Post game tips

Walk a block or two from the arena to a less congested pickup point to reduce wait times; consider the skyway to exit toward a quieter cross street

Source statement; not independently verified.

Overview

The official Uber and Lyft drop-off and pick-up zone is located on 1st Avenue North between 6th and 7th Streets, directly adjacent to the Target Center main entrance. A dedicated rideshare lane facilitates smooth pickups post-game. Expect surge pricing during marquee matchups.

Source statement; not independently verified.

Public transportation

Airport connection

METRO Blue Line connects MSP Airport to downtown Minneapolis with a transfer/walk to the arena

Source statement; not independently verified.

App

Metro Transit website and app (Trip Planner); info line 612-373-3333

Source statement; not independently verified.

Best option

METRO light rail (Blue or Green Line) to Warehouse District/Hennepin Avenue station, then a one-block walk

Source statement; not independently verified.

Bus routes

Numerous Metro Transit bus lines serve downtown Minneapolis and the arena; use the Metro Transit Trip Planner for specific routes

Source statement; not independently verified.

Fare

Reachable on the Metro Transit Downtown Zone fare; pay via Metro Transit's Go-To card, mobile app, or cash on board

Source statement; not independently verified.

Ferry

N/A — indoor arena (no water access)

Source statement; not independently verified.

Nearest station

Warehouse District/Hennepin Avenue station (about one block south on First Avenue)

Source statement; not independently verified.

Overview

Metro Transit Blue and Green light rail lines stop at Target Field Station (1 block north on 5th Street) and Warehouse District/Hennepin Avenue Station (2 blocks east). Multiple bus routes serve downtown Minneapolis with stops near the arena. Light rail fare: $2.00-$2.50. The Skyway System connects the arena to downtown transit hubs.

Source statement; not independently verified.

Rail lines

METRO Blue Line and METRO Green Line (light rail), both serving downtown Minneapolis

Source statement; not independently verified.

Tips

Use the enclosed downtown Skyway system to reach the arena indoors in cold weather; a pedestrian skyway bridge leads directly into Target Center from across First Avenue

Source statement; not independently verified.

Walking distance

About one block (Warehouse District/Hennepin Avenue station to First Avenue entrance)

Source statement; not independently verified.

Shuttles

Dropoff

Downtown Minneapolis near Target Center

Source statement; not independently verified.

Notes

No dedicated Target-Center-operated shuttle; SW Shuttle is the primary official suburban option

Source statement; not independently verified.

Operator

SouthWest Transit (SW Shuttle)

Source statement; not independently verified.

Park ride

SouthWest Transit park-and-ride stations in Eden Prairie, Chanhassen and Chaska; additional Metro Transit park-and-rides serve downtown

Source statement; not independently verified.

Pickup

SouthWest Transit stations in Eden Prairie, Chanhassen and Chaska

Source statement; not independently verified.

Overview

No dedicated arena shuttle service. The Minneapolis Skyway System provides climate-controlled indoor walking connections from parking ramps, hotels, and downtown destinations directly to Target Center. Metro Transit light rail and bus lines provide extensive coverage.

Source statement; not independently verified.

Routes

SW Shuttle (operated by SouthWest Transit) runs to games, concerts and events from suburban stations

Source statement; not independently verified.

Schedule

Varies by event; check swtransit.org for the SW Shuttle schedule

Source statement; not independently verified.

Bicycles

Overview

Nice Ride bike-share stations are located near Target Center at 1st Avenue & 6th Street and throughout downtown. Bike racks are available on the Target Center plaza. Dedicated bike lanes on 1st Avenue and Washington Avenue provide access to the arena.

Source statement; not independently verified.

Rack locations

Multiple bike routes and rack options near the arena throughout downtown Minneapolis; see minneapolismn.gov for parking locations

Source statement; not independently verified.

Secure

Life Time Target Center members have access to a secured, climate-controlled bike storage room with keyless lockers; general public uses street racks

Source statement; not independently verified.

Share provider

Nice Ride Minnesota (Twin Cities bike share)

Source statement; not independently verified.

Share station

Nice Ride / regional bike-share stations are located throughout downtown Minneapolis near the arena

Source statement; not independently verified.

Tips

Minneapolis is a top-ranked biking city with 43 miles of bike lanes and 84 miles of off-street paths; use lights/reflective clothing as streets are busy before and after events

Source statement; not independently verified.

Accessibility

Accessible parking

Accessible parking in Ramps A and B; park there for elevator access and enter on skyway level

Source statement; not independently verified.

Assistive listening

Limited listening devices at Guest Services (sections 116 and 216); ListenWiFi app available; captioning at all home games; call 612-673-1380 ahead for multiple devices

Source statement; not independently verified.

Contact

Guest Services 612-673-1380; Box Office 612-673-0900; text-to-assist 952-592-5520; info@targetcenter.com

Source statement; not independently verified.

Dropoff

ADA drop-off/pick-up lane on 1st Avenue in front of the building (Life Time Lobby), at the corner of 1st Ave and 6th St

Source statement; not independently verified.

Elevators

Elevators accessible to all levels of the arena (enter on skyway level from Ramps A/B)

Source statement; not independently verified.

Fun fact

The sensory room features custom tactile artwork created by an autistic artist

Source statement; not independently verified.

Overview

Target Center is fully ADA-compliant. Accessible seating is available on all levels. All entrances are wheelchair accessible. Elevators serve every floor. The Skyway System provides climate-controlled accessible access from parking ramps and hotels. Assistive listening devices, sensory kits, and wheelchair escort services available at Guest Services. Service animals welcome.

Source statement; not independently verified.

Restrooms

Single-user family/accessible restrooms near sections 216, 226 and 232

Source statement; not independently verified.

Sensory

Sensory-friendly room available at all events (bean bags, light panels, bubble walls, tactile art); sensory bags available at Guest Services (section 116)

Source statement; not independently verified.

Service animals

Trained service animals welcome; must stay on leash/harness and in the guest's seating area. All other animals prohibited

Source statement; not independently verified.

Wheelchair seating

Designated wheelchair-accessible seating locations throughout the arena; fully ADA compliant

Source statement; not independently verified.

Food and vendors

Craft beer

Regional breweries including Surly Brewing, Summit Brewing and Lift Bridge; main-concourse bar and beer garden plus a 200-level bar

Source statement; not independently verified.

Fun fact

The concourse food program was reimagined in the 2017 renovation to showcase popular local Minnesota restaurants

Source statement; not independently verified.

Local

Parlour (burgers/cocktails), SotaRol (sushi and Asian bowls) and Lord Fletcher's (walleye) on the 100 level, reflecting Minnesota cuisine

Source statement; not independently verified.

Notable stands

Parlour, SotaRol, Lord Fletcher's; main-concourse beer garden and social gathering spaces with downtown views

Source statement; not independently verified.

Outside food policy

See Food & Beverage Policies at targetcenter.com/food-drink-1/food-beverage-policies; outside food/beverage generally restricted

Source statement; not independently verified.

Parking Apps Accepted

SpotHero, ParkMobile, ParkWhiz (for parking, not concessions)

Source statement; not independently verified.

Overview

Target Center features a locally-focused food and beverage program including rotating Minnesota food vendors, craft beer from local breweries, and classic arena concessions. The Lynx Team Store is on the main concourse near the main entrance. Mobile ordering and cashless payment available throughout the arena.

Source statement; not independently verified.

Signature food

Local favorites include "totchos" (tater tot nachos) and walleye fish sandwiches from Lord Fletcher's; hot chicken sandwiches

Source statement; not independently verified.

Venue history

Architect

KMR Architects (original); 2017 renovation designed by Perkins&Will with builder Mortenson

Source statement; not independently verified.

Construction cost

Approximately $104 million (original construction)

Source statement; not independently verified.

Famous moments

Home of the Minnesota Lynx during their dynasty — four WNBA championships (2011, 2013, 2015, 2017); hosted the 1994 and 2024 WNBA-era and NBA All-Star events at various points (Timberwolves debut game Oct. 16, 1990 vs. Philadelphia 76ers)

Source statement; not independently verified.

Fun fact

Target Center is often cited as the first arena in the U.S. to ban smoking

Source statement; not independently verified.

Original capacity

Just over 18,000 for basketball

Source statement; not independently verified.

Original name

Target Center (named for Minneapolis-based Target Corporation since opening)

Source statement; not independently verified.

Overview

Opened in 1990, Target Center is one of the WNBA's original arenas, home to the Minnesota Lynx since their inaugural 1999 season. The Lynx dynasty won four WNBA Championships (2011, 2013, 2015, 2017). Underwent a $145 million renovation completed in 2017, modernizing the entire fan experience. The arena features a distinctive green roof visible from the Minneapolis skyline.

Source statement; not independently verified.

Renovations

Major 2004 updates (new seats, 1,500 added lower-level seats, new scoreboards); $145 million renovation completed October 2017 (new exterior, glass atrium main entrance, center-hung videoboard, premium clubs, new seats, sound/digital signage); ~$1.6 million theatrical-style lighting upgrade for the 2025-26 season

Source statement; not independently verified.

Venue details

Climate

Fully enclosed, climate-controlled indoor arena connected to the downtown Skyway system for weather-protected access

Source statement; not independently verified.

Elevation

Approximately 830 ft (downtown Minneapolis elevation); indoor arena

Source statement; not independently verified.

Levels

Multi-tier seating bowl (100 lower level, 200 upper level, plus premium/club levels); upper-deck sections up to 24 rows

Source statement; not independently verified.

Premium

Suites plus premium clubs including U.S. Bank Backcourt Club, Lexus Courtside Club, Six One Two, Grant Thornton Chairman's Club and Club TI

Source statement; not independently verified.

Overview

Basketball seating capacity: approximately 19,356. The 2017 renovation opened up the arena concourses and added premium club spaces. Standard 94-foot basketball court. Connected to the largest contiguous skyway system in the world.

Source statement; not independently verified.

Scoreboard

Four-sided center-hung videoboard installed in the 2017 renovation (among the largest in the Upper Midwest)

Source statement; not independently verified.

Shared tenants

Shared with the NBA's Minnesota Timberwolves; also hosts concerts and special events

Source statement; not independently verified.

Surface

Hardwood basketball court (indoor)

Source statement; not independently verified.