Tonight's game kicks off the Vikings two seasons at the University of Minnesota, a unique opportunity for the team and the fans to get back to the elements in an intimate football environment. Incredible effort and collaboration between the team and the University over the past two years has led to this exciting point.

So what's different for fans? In general, TCF Bank Stadium will provide a significantly improved game experience compared to what Vikings fans were accustomed to at the Metrodome. Tremendous sightlines, a 5,184 square foot state-of-the-art video board, wider concourses (50-foot avg. compared to 24-foot avg.), twice as many restroom fixtures, and a larger variety of food and beverage options are only some of the attributes fans will notice.

Aside from being a much better game experience, fans will also notice the following:

• Vikings Fun Zone: Opening three hours prior to game time, the Vikings Fun Zone is located on Oak Street just west of TCF Bank Stadium. Fans can listen to music and participate in fan entertainment and interactive games in a family-friendly environment.
• Miller Lite Vikings Pregame Party: McNamara Alumni Center will also open three hours prior to game time and will offer fans another opportunity to enjoy pregame activities.
• Increased Entry Points: The stadium will have approximately 90 points of entry as opposed to the typical 64 for Gophers games.
• Increased Portables: A significant number of portables will be in place throughout the stadium for beer and food sales.
• Vikings Branding:In an effort to make TCF Bank Stadium the home stadium for the Vikings and the fans, Vikings branding will be seen throughout the stadium. On the field the end zones will be painted purple and white while midfield will include the Vikings Norseman. LED boards around the fascia will show Vikings colors and team banners will be permanently placed throughout the bowl.

Plan Your Trip in Advance and Arrive Early

This is a significant change for all parties – the Vikings, the University, the neighborhoods and Vikings fans – and the team is asking fans to keep that in mind when attending games. Planning your route before leaving home – whether driving or utilizing mass transit – and arriving early during the first few games of this transition is strongly recommended. There are a variety of transportation options, including:

Metro Transit

The METRO Green Line, which opened in June, connects Minneapolis and St. Paul through the heart of the University of Minnesota and includes a stop at the Stadium Village Station directly south of TCF Bank Stadium on 23rd Avenue SE. Fans can park in their typical Minneapolis downtown locations and hop on the Green Line from the Downtown East Station. Travel time between downtown Minneapolis and Stadium Village Station is approximately 10 minutes. 

Fans who take the METRO Blue Line can park for free at Park & Rides at Fort Snelling and 28th Avenue stations and ride the train to downtown Minneapolis. To reach TCF Bank Stadium, Blue Line passengers can transfer to a Green Line train at the Downtown East Station.

Fans in the East Metro can take several local connecting local bus routes to a Green Line station. 

Northstar trains will serve each pre-season and regular season Vikings home game this season. Fans who ride Northstar can transfer to a Green Line train at Target Field Station and be at TCF Bank Stadium in approximately 15 minutes. Northstar trains will depart Minneapolis 90 minutes after the game ends. Individual and discounted family passes good for two adults and up to three children or seniors can be purchased in advance online. 

Several local bus routes also stop at or near TCF Bank Stadium. 

Fans taking a Metro Transit bus or train to the game are encouraged to purchase a Day Pass or Event 6-Hour Pass, which eliminate the need to make multiple fare purchases. Passes can be purchased from ticket-vending machines at any rail platform. 

Fans seeking trip planning assistance can speak to a transit expert by calling 612-373-3333 or by using the interactive Trip Planner at metrotransit.org. Extra staff will also be at key boarding locations around the stadium to assist customers.

For more information about service to TCF Bank Stadium visit metrotransit.org/vikingsTCF.

Parking/Tailgating

Fans driving to the game can park at several locations on the U of M campus or take a free fan shuttle from St. Paul to TCF Bank Stadium. For information on parking, tailgating and shuttle options visit umn.edu.

SouthWest Transit 

SouthWest Transit will provide express bus service to and from each regular season home game. Fans can board at Park & Ride locations in Chaska, Chanhassen or Eden Prairie. Round-trip fares are $5. Return trips depart 30 minutes after the game ends. For more information visit swtransit.org. 

NFL's Bag Policy in Year Two

To provide a safe environment for fans attending the game and to expedite stadium entry at TCF Bank Stadium, the Vikings will enforce the NFL Bag Policy for a second consecutive season. The NFL's bag policy limits the size and type of bags that may be brought into the stadium on game day. Click here to familiarize yourself with the NFL's policy.

Season Tickets Still Available

Season tickets for the 2014 season are still available and can be purchased here or by calling (612) 338-4537. Buying now secures your priority in the new stadium.

For future notifications on the new Vikings stadium, join the stadium waitlist.