U.S. Bank Stadium, located in downtown Minneapolis, is the home field of the Minnesota Vikings NFL football team. With a capacity of over 66,000 seats, U.S. Bank Stadium hosts many large events that require ample parking for attendees. While there are several parking options around U.S. Bank Stadium, the main parking ramp connected directly to the stadium is the Mills Fleet Farm Parking Garage.
Overview of U.S. Bank Stadium
U.S. Bank Stadium opened in 2016 after being built on the site of the old Metrodome stadium. It cost over $1 billion to construct and has a unique exterior design featuring a transparent roof and massive glass pivoting doors. In addition to Vikings games, U.S. Bank Stadium hosts concerts, college baseball games, motocross events, and more. Some of the biggest concerts held there include U2, Beyoncé & Jay Z, and The Rolling Stones.
The stadium sits on a site encompassing 37 acres in downtown Minneapolis. It has seven levels, two of which are underground. There are exceptional amenities for fans including a massive HD video board, a distributed antenna system for enhanced cell signals, various club and suite seating options, and concession stands offering specialty local foods. Even the externally illuminated, five-petal roof changes colors depending on events.
Vikings Games
The Minnesota Vikings have played in U.S. Bank Stadium since its opening in 2016 after spending 32 seasons in the Metrodome. The inaugural event held at the shiny new stadium was a Vikings preseason game on August 28, 2016. Since it opened, U.S. Bank Stadium has hosted three Vikings playoff runs.
Some key Vikings games at U.S. Bank Stadium include:
- 2016: Vikings defeat Green Bay Packers 24-17 on December 24, 2016 to clinch NFC North division title.
- 2017: Minnesota Miracle – Vikings defeat New Orleans Saints 29-24 in NFC Divisional playoff game off a last-second Stefon Diggs touchdown, one of the most famous plays in NFL history.
- 2019: Vikings defeat New Orleans Saints 26-20 in NFC Wild Card playoff game in overtime, the first playoff win for the Vikings since 2009.
The atmosphere during Vikings games is electric, with tens of thousands of purple-clad fans cheering raucously. With escalating ticket demand, parking becomes crucial.
Other Major Events
Beyond Vikings games, U.S. Bank Stadium has hosted many huge concerts and other sporting events. The NCAA Final Four was held there in 2019 and will return in 2025. Some of the biggest concerts at U.S. Bank Stadium include:
- U2 – Joshua Tree Tour 2017
- Beyoncé & Jay Z – On the Run II Tour in 2018
- The Rolling Stones – No Filter Tour 2019
- George Strait – Strait to Minneapolis 2020
- Motley Crue/Def Leppard – 2022 Stadium Tour
Monster Jam truck rallies, motocross, and college baseball games also draw tens of thousands of fans to U.S. Bank Stadium each year. In 2022, the stadium hosted the Hella Mega Tour featuring Green Day, Weezer, and Fall Out Boy. These huge events make parking a major issue around the stadium.
Mills Fleet Farm Parking Garage
The Mills Fleet Farm Parking Garage is directly connected to U.S. Bank Stadium by a skyway bridge. With over 1,000 spaces, it is the stadium’s official parking ramp and the most convenient option for fans attending events.
Access and Location
The Mills Fleet Farm Parking Garage provides indoor covered parking in the heart of downtown Minneapolis. It is located at 1010 3rd Street South, adjacent to U.S. Bank Stadium.
Fans can access the parking garage directly from 3rd Street South or 5th Avenue South. It connects on its northern side to U.S. Bank Stadium via a 120-foot enclosed pedestrian skyway bridge. This offers quick, easy, and weather-protected access for football games and events at the stadium.
The Mills Fleet Farm Parking Garage is just south of U.S. Bank Stadium, conveniently close to entrances and main gates. It is part of a complex of other mixed-use parking garages and commercial buildings making up Downtown East adjacent to the stadium.
Parking Capacity
The Mills Fleet Farm Parking Garage provides 1,174 parking spaces on seven above-ground levels. This includes:
- 924 standard spaces
- 62 handicapped-accessible spaces
- 188 preferred/reserved spaces
With 12-14 foot wide spaces and roomy aisles, the garage offers easy maneuverability. Parking attendants direct motorists on major event days for faster entry and exits.
As the official stadium parking ramp, Mills Fleet Farm Parking Garage provides premier reserved parking for U.S. Bank Stadium events. Season ticket holders, players, and VIPs get dedicated parking areas. General parking spots are also available for individual game or concert tickets.
Amenities
The Mills Fleet Farm Parking Garage provides modern features for a convenient parking experience:
- Credit card payment kiosks
- 24/7 security
- Surveillance cameras
- Vikings app parking integration
- Cell phone waiting lot
- Heated ramps and skyway bridge
Bright LED lighting and painted lines mark each space clearly. Wall graphics and Vikings themes liven up the aesthetics. Fans can check parking availability on the Vikings app and use mobile payment.
The skyway bridge is climate-controlled to provide comfort in any weather. For ridepickups, a designated cell phone lot prevents congestion. With security staff monitoring the garage and many safety features, the Mills Fleet Farm Parking Garage is a very convenient way to park for U.S. Bank Stadium events.
Other Nearby Parking Options
While the Mills Fleet Farm Parking Garage is the premier connected parking ramp, there are other garages and lots around U.S. Bank Stadium.
Surface Lots
Several large surface lots sit within a few blocks of U.S. Bank Stadium in downtown Minneapolis. Many permit event parking with shuttle buses running to the stadium:
- ABC Ramps Surface Lot – 501 S 4th St
- Federal Reserve Bank Lot – 425 S 4th St
- Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC) Ramp – 801 S 8th St
Private homeowners also offer gameday parking spots near U.S. Bank Stadium. With outdoor lots, parking is exposed to weather elements but often costs less than ramps. Shuttle rides usually run every 5-10 minutes for convenient transportation.
Parking Ramps
In addition to the Mills Fleet Farm Parking Garage, there are several other ramps within a short walk of U.S. Bank Stadium:
Ramp Name | Address | Distance to Stadium |
---|---|---|
LaSalle Parking Ramp | 417 N 1st Ave | 2 blocks west |
Mayo Clinic Square Parking Ramp | 510 S 4th St | 3 blocks south |
ABC Ramps Downtown East | 500 S 4th St | 3 blocks south |
DW / Marriott City Center Parking Ramp | 30 S 7th St | 4 blocks north |
These ramps fill up fast but provide covered parking within a short walk. Parking prices range from $20-$60 for major events at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Metered street parking is also available near U.S. Bank Stadium, but has strict time limits of 1-4 hours on event days. Parking further from downtown and using light rail or other public transit can be more affordable options.
Getting to U.S. Bank Stadium
U.S. Bank Stadium has great access to highways, light rail, and other transportation:
- Located near the intersection of I-94, I-35W, I-394, and Highway 55
- Served by the Metro Blue and Green Lines at U.S. Bank Stadium Station
- Many bus routes stop near the stadium
- Nice pedestrian access – sidewalks, skyways, plazas
Driving and parking is most common for Vikings games and concerts. But public transit via light rail or bus with discounted fares for events is recommended to avoid traffic. Uber/Lyft drop-offs are restricted near the stadium on event days.
Once parked at ramps like Mills Fleet Farm, the close skyway access prevents dealing with Minneapolis weather outside. Overall, the excellent transportation options make getting to events at U.S. Bank Stadium smooth and convenient for fans.
Conclusion
The Mills Fleet Farm Parking Garage offers the premier parking option for events at U.S. Bank Stadium with its direct indoor connection via skyway. With nearly 1,200 spaces just steps from stadium gates, it provides the most convenient access.
Other nearby surface lots and parking ramps can also offer parking within a short walk. Public transportation via light rail or bus avoids parking altogether for an even cheaper way to get to U.S. Bank Stadium.
But for driving directly to Vikings games or big concerts, the Mills Fleet Farm Parking Garage is the go-to choice. Its location adjoining U.S. Bank Stadium makes it the number one parking option for enjoying events without worrying about traffic, shuttles, or the elements.