Target Center Game Day Guide
Minnesota Timberwolves · Minneapolis, MN
Know Before You Go
Essential details checked against official venue information.
- Bag policy
Permitted bags must be no larger than 5 x 9 inches; diaper bags and medical bags are allowed after entry screening.
Applies to: Minnesota Timberwolves games
- Strollers are not permitted inside Target Center.
- Bag storage
Target Center does not offer item check or storage for rejected bags and prohibited items.
Applies to: Minnesota Timberwolves games
- Leave noncompliant items at home or in a vehicle before entering.
- Gate opening
Door times vary by Timberwolves game; check the specific Target Center event page before attending.
Applies to: Minnesota Timberwolves games
- Current game listings may open doors 60 or 90 minutes before tipoff depending on the event.
- Mobile tickets
Timberwolves tickets display as rotating mobile barcodes in the team app and may be added to Apple Wallet or Google Wallet for entry.
Applies to: Minnesota Timberwolves games
- The barcode changes every 30 seconds, so ticket screenshots will not scan. Adding tickets to a phone wallet before arrival provides the quickest entry.
- Re-entry
Target Center does not allow re-entry after a guest exits during an event.
Applies to: Minnesota Timberwolves games
- Prohibited items
Prohibited items include bags larger than 5 x 9 inches, weapons, pocket knives, chemical sprays, large umbrellas, glass or metal drink containers, outside food or drinks, pets, strollers, large signs, poles and selfie sticks, lasers, noisemakers, video cameras, tripods, suitcases, and wallet chains.
Applies to: Minnesota Timberwolves games
- The list is not exhaustive and may change. Medical food, infant milk or formula, service animals, medication, and small reusable plastic drinkware with a lid are permitted.
- First aid
First aid facilities are on the lower concourse near Section 120.
Applies to: Minnesota Timberwolves games
- Ask the nearest usher, security officer, or event staff member for medical assistance.
- Nursing and lactation
A mother's room is outside Section 120 next to a women's restroom.
Applies to: Minnesota Timberwolves games
- Larger medical-supply bags for a portable electric breast pump are permitted after screening. The room does not provide refrigeration.
- Family restrooms
Single-user family restrooms are located near Sections 216, 226, and 232.
Applies to: Minnesota Timberwolves games
- Feminine hygiene products are available free in family restrooms and from Guest Services at Sections 116 and 216.
- Tickets for children
Children younger than 24 months may attend without a ticket if they remain on a ticket holder's lap; children age 24 months or older need a ticket.
Applies to: Minnesota Timberwolves games
- Guest services
Guest Services offices are on both concourses at Sections 116 and 216.
Applies to: Minnesota Timberwolves games
- During an event, text 952-592-5520 for assistance. The offices handle accessibility resources, child wristband registration, lost and found, and other guest needs.
- Service animals
Task-trained service animals are welcome and must remain leashed or harnessed in the handler's seating area.
Applies to: Minnesota Timberwolves games
- An animal may occupy an adjacent seat only when that seat has been ticketed. Pets and emotional-support animals are not permitted.
- Smoking and vaping
Target Center prohibits cigarettes, vaping, lighters, and electronic cigarettes throughout the building.
Applies to: Minnesota Timberwolves games
- Guests cannot exit to smoke because re-entry is not allowed.
Game Day Timeline
What the day looks like at Target Center, hour by hour.
Arrive in the Warehouse District
Park in a nearby ramp or take the Blue/Green Line. Explore the Warehouse District bars and restaurants along 1st Avenue and Hennepin.
Pregame dining
Grab dinner at the Freehouse, Brit's Pub, or one of the North Loop restaurants. Try a Juicy Lucy if you haven't.
Doors open
Enter the arena via the Skyway (in winter) or street entrance. Explore the concourse and the Wolves team store.
Find your seat
Settle in for the Wolves' howling intro and player introductions. The arena has improved its game-day production significantly.
Game time
Wolves games have grown from a library-quiet reputation to genuinely loud since the 2024 playoff run. Total game time is about 2-2.5 hours.
Halftime break
Hit the concourse for a Juicy Lucy burger or Minnesota craft beer from Surly or Summit.
Post-game scene
Walk to the Warehouse District bars on 1st Avenue or the North Loop for post-game drinks. Use the Skyway in winter to stay warm.
Tips & Fan Reports
The team store outside the ticket lines is always empty compared to the one on level one that gets packed before tip. Shop outside first. Some food has to be ordered on the app then you pick it up.
Minneapolis skyway system connects downtown parking ramps to near Target Center without going outside in winter.
Halftime food lines are shorter in the upper-level concourse.
In winter, use the Minneapolis Skyway system, enclosed walkways connect ramps, hotels, and near-arena buildings.
First Avenue (legendary music venue from Purple Rain) is literally next door to Target Center.
Dress warm for the walk from parking, Minneapolis winters are no joke. Negative wind chills are common.
Target Field (Twins) is one block away. Check the schedule for same-day doubleheader opportunities in summer.
Weather
Target Center is indoor, so these are the conditions for the parking lot and the walk in, not the seats.
Across the NBA season the warmest month is October, with an average high of 56°F, and the coldest is January, when the average low is 8°F. April is the wettest month at 3.3 inches and January the driest at 0.9 inches.
That January low ranks 1st coldest of the 30 NBA venues, and April here ranks 22nd wettest.
October
3.0 inchesDecember
1.3 inchesJanuary
0.9 inchesMarch
1.6 inchesApril
3.3 inchesMinnesota Timberwolves Clear Bag Policy
Most venues require a clear bag. Get an approved one before you travel.
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How We Checked This Page
Every section below names the source it was read from and the day it was read. Where we could not reach a published figure, the page says so rather than presenting an estimate as a checked fact.
- Game day timeline
Gate opening time checked against the venue's own gate-opening policy: Door times vary by Timberwolves game; check the specific Target Center event page before attending.
- Weather
NOAA 1991-2020 Climate Normals
- Venue policies
Current Target Center and Minnesota Timberwolves policy, accessibility, ticketing, parking, and concessions guidance reviewed for Timberwolves policies.