Minnesota Timberwolves

Minnesota Timberwolves Travel Guide: Target Center

How to Get There

• Flying In: You will fly into Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP). It is a massive, highly efficient global hub for Delta Air Lines, making direct flights incredibly easy to find from almost any domestic market.

• Airport Transit: Do not rent a car. MSP offers one of the most efficient airport-to-city transit options in the country. You can board the METRO Blue Line train directly from the airport terminal. It costs just a couple of dollars and will drop you right in the heart of downtown Minneapolis in about 25 minutes.

Where to Stay

Target Center is located in the vibrant Warehouse District (North Loop) of downtown Minneapolis. Staying in this immediate footprint provides elite walkability to the arena, fantastic dining, and direct access to the city's famous indoor Skyway system.

Budget/Mid-Range Options

• Element Minneapolis Downtown: Located right in the North Loop, this is a fantastic, modern extended-stay property. It features a free hot breakfast and puts you just steps from Target Field and Target Center. It is an excellent value option, typically requiring 20,000 to 30,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

• Hyatt Place Minneapolis Downtown: Situated just a few blocks from the arena, this reliable, spacious hotel is connected to the city's Skyway system. It keeps you securely out of the elements on game day and generally runs between 9,000 to 12,000 World of Hyatt points per night.

Higher-End Options

• The Westin Minneapolis: Housed in the historic former Farmers & Mechanics Bank building, this upscale hotel features stunning original architecture and a massive grand lobby. It is fully integrated into the downtown Skyway system and typically requires 30,000 to 45,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

• Four Seasons Hotel Minneapolis: For the absolute pinnacle of luxury, this stunning 5-star hotel sits right at the top of Nicollet Mall. It features an incredible Mediterranean restaurant (Mara), an expansive spa, and is heavily connected to the Skyway. It offers an elite, high-end base camp just a short walk from the arena doors.

Nearby Activities

• First Avenue: Located literally right across the street from Target Center, this is one of the most legendary live music venues in the world. Famous for launching the career of Prince, the exterior walls are painted with silver stars denoting every massive act that has played there.

• The Stone Arch Bridge: Take a short walk or rideshare toward the Mississippi River to walk across this historic former railroad bridge. It provides breathtaking, panoramic views of Saint Anthony Falls and the Minneapolis skyline.

Pregame Food and Drink

• Kieran's Irish Pub: Situated directly across the street from Target Center, this massive, authentic Irish pub is the absolute epicenter of the Timberwolves pregame scene. It gets packed with fans, offers great pub food, and has an incredibly lively atmosphere.

• The Depot Tavern: Attached right to the historic First Avenue venue next to the arena, this bar is heavily themed around Minneapolis music history. It is a fantastic spot to grab local draft beers and their famous Diamond Dog before walking to the security gates.

• Tom's Watch Bar: Located inside City Center (and connected via the Skyway), this massive sports bar boasts a 360-degree viewing experience with wall-to-wall screens. It is perfect if you want to catch other NBA games before tip-off.

Getting to the Event

• The Skyway System: Minneapolis winters are famously brutal, but the city has a perfect solution. The Minneapolis Skyway System features over 9 miles of climate-controlled, enclosed pedestrian footbridges connecting downtown buildings. If you stay at a Skyway-connected hotel, you can walk straight to the Target Center concourse without ever putting on a winter coat.

• METRO Light Rail: The Warehouse District/Hennepin Ave Station is located right outside the arena plaza. Both the Blue Line and Green Line trains drop off here, making it incredibly easy to commute if you are staying near the University of Minnesota or further out in Bloomington.

• Driving: If you choose to drive, you will want to utilize the massive ABC Ramps (Ramps A, B, and C). These enormous parking structures surround Target Center and connect directly to the arena via the Skyway system, meaning you will not have to walk outside after parking.

Where to Sit at Target Center

• The Timberwolves Bench: The home team sits in front of Sections 132 and 133.

• Away Fans: If you are traveling to support the visiting team, you want to target Sections 129 and 130, which sit directly behind the visitor's bench.

• The Premium Club Experience: For upscale comfort, look for tickets in the TCL SixFourFive Club or the Lexus Courtside Club. These premium spaces grant access to highly exclusive lounges located right on the event level, featuring all-inclusive food, full bars, and premium padded seating.

• The Sweet Spot: Target Center is one of the older arenas in the NBA, meaning its lower bowl is steep and keeps you feeling very close to the floor. To get fantastic energy without paying center-court prices, look at the corner sections: Sections 109, 113, 129, or 133.

• The Budget Seats: The 200-level provides the most affordable tickets. To ensure the best value and a perfect center-court perspective while avoiding the highest rows of the upper deck, try to target the lower rows of Sections 209-211 or 231-233.