Target Center Pregame Guide
Minnesota Timberwolves · Minneapolis, MN
Target Center's bag limit is 5 by 9 inches — among the smallest anywhere — with diaper and medical bags permitted subject to search, and the arena publishes no tailgating policy. Entry is through the Main Skyway Level entrance or the South Skyway entrance near Ramp A, which is a genuinely useful detail in a Minneapolis winter since the skyway system means you need not go outside. Parking is downtown's 25,000-odd spaces across 38 lots and ramps, with Ramps A, B and C the closest and each reached by its own turn off Washington Avenue.
Tips & Fan Reports
Downtown holds nearly 25,000 spaces across 38 facilities if the closest ramps fill.
Both published entrances are on the skyway level, so a cold night need not involve the street at all.
Each of Ramps A, B and C has its own turn off Washington Avenue; taking the wrong one means circling downtown.
The 5 by 9 inch bag limit is among the smallest on this site — smaller than a tablet.
Where to Go Before the Game
Ramp A, and the South Skyway entrance
Ramp A is reached by turning left on 1st Avenue North then right on North 7th Street, and the South Skyway entrance sits beside it — so you can park and walk in without going outdoors.
Known for South Skyway entrance beside it · Left on 1st Ave N, right on N 7th St
Ramp B and Ramp C
Ramp C is reached by turning left on 3rd Avenue North then right into the ramp; Ramp B by 3rd Avenue North, left on North 5th Street, then right on 2nd Avenue North.
Known for Both off 3rd Ave N · Short walk to the arena
The 38 downtown lots and ramps
Nearly 25,000 spaces across 38 lots and ramps in downtown Minneapolis, most a short walk or a bus or light rail connection from the arena.
Known for ~25,000 spaces · 38 facilities · Bus and light rail links
The Main Skyway Level entrance
The arena's primary way in, on the skyway level rather than the street — the reason a Minneapolis winter need not be part of the trip.
Known for Skyway level · Primary entrance · Indoors
Rules to Know
What Target Center allows, and what it does not.
- Permitted bags must be no larger than 5" x 9". Diaper bags and medical bags are permitted but subject to search on entry.
- Guests should enter through the Main Skyway Level entrance or the South Skyway entrance near Ramp A.
- From I-35W south, take the Washington Avenue exit and turn right on Washington Avenue. For Ramp C, turn left on 3rd Avenue North and right into the ramp. For Ramp B, turn left on 3rd Avenue North, left on North 5th Street and right on 2nd Avenue North. For Ramp A, turn left on 1st Avenue North and right on North 7th Street.
- There are nearly 25,000 parking spaces across 38 lots and ramps throughout downtown, most a short walk or a bus or light rail connection from the arena.
- The arena publishes no tailgating policy.
What to Bring
- A bag the gate will accept
Permitted bags must be no larger than 5 x 9 inches; diaper bags and medical bags are allowed after entry screening.
- Only the outside food and drink the rule allows
Outside food and drinks are generally prohibited, with exceptions for medically necessary foods or juices and milk or formula for infants.
- A card or a phone wallet
Target Center concessions and merchandise are cashless, and concession stands accept Apple Pay and Google Pay.
- Your tickets on a charged phone
Timberwolves tickets display as rotating mobile barcodes in the team app and may be added to Apple Wallet or Google Wallet for entry.
- A coat for the walk in
January lows average 8°F between the lot and the door at Target Center.
- A poncho for the walk in, not an umbrella
Umbrellas are on Target Center's prohibited list, and April averages 3.3 inches of rain.
Minnesota Timberwolves Tailgate Gear
Canopies, grills, coolers, and official Minnesota Timberwolves gear for the ultimate tailgate.
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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.
- Pregame
Target Center official site: Getting Here, Parking, and Arena Policies & FAQ
- Venue policies
Current Target Center and Minnesota Timberwolves policy, accessibility, ticketing, parking, and concessions guidance reviewed for Timberwolves policies.
- Weather
NOAA 1991-2020 Climate Normals