Target Center Parking Tips in Minneapolis

Target Center in Minneapolis is the home arena for the Minnesota Timberwolves of the NBA. Knowing where to park when attending a game at this venue is a big part of having an enjoyable experience. 

This detailed Target Center parking tips guide offers detailed parking information, including:

• The best official Target Center parking lots
• Third-party parking lots near Target Center you can book in advance
• Areas to look for free parking in Minneapolis
• Handicap parking solutions
• Public transit options for Minnesota Timberwolves events
• Other valuable Target Center parking tips to save time and money

Basketball is a big part of the schedule at Target Center, but it’s far from the only thing happening here. No matter what kind of event you are attending, this parking guide will help make your outing a great one.

Official Target Center Parking Lots

While there is plenty of parking available in this part of Minneapolis for events and other purposes, there are no official parking lots associated with Target Center. To reserve a parking spot, or to find a place to park when you arrive for an event, you’ll need to use street parking or a third-party lot or garage. 

Main Parking Lots 

As mentioned above, there are no official main parking lots for this venue. There are, however, a few nearby lots that can be booked through ParkMobile. If you want to park as close as possible to Target Center, you may want to consider these options to give you good access to the facility. 

Specifically, look at booking parking in the Ramp A, Ramp B, or Ramp C lots. These are all close to the arena, with Ramp A and Ramp B offering the easiest access via skyway.

Despite the proximity to the Target Center, parking on these ramps is relatively affordable, with the price coming in at less than $20 for many events. 

EV Parking at Target Center

We would not recommend planning to charge your vehicle while attending an event at Target Center. There are a few charging stations in the area, but inventory is limited and there will be a lot of people converging on the streets around the arena before a busy game or concert.

It’s better to charge your vehicle ahead of time so you know you’ll have plenty of battery to get back home even if you don’t find a good place to plug in. 

Accessible Parking Spaces

Ramp A and Ramp B are the best options for visitors with accessibility needs. Since these two parking facilities are connected to Target Center, they offer easy access to the arena.

Also, if you aren’t going to park in one of these connected ramps, you can opt to use the ADA drop-off at 1st Avenue and 6th Street before heading off to park somewhere else. 

Third-Party Parking Options at Target Center

Abundant third-party parking options are available within a short distance from Target Center. Most of the parking options are going to be south and east of the arena, in and around the downtown area.

Make a reservation at one of these locations in advance through SpotHero below and you’ll be all set when you arrive.

One of your best options is the Ramp B Garage at 516 2nd Avenue North, just a couple of minutes away from the venue. While this is a large parking structure, it’s still a good idea to make a reservation just in case it fills up for a big event. 

While the Ramp B Garage is usually rather affordable, with prices sometimes under $20, other options in downtown are even cheaper. For instance, the US Bancorp Center Garage can often be reserved for less than $10 and it is still less than a 10-minute walk from the gates. 

Free Parking at Target Center

Although reasonably priced parking is pretty easy to find near Target Center, the same can’t be said for free parking. This is still a big city, and parking for free in any big city is a challenge.

To avoid paying for parking, think about using public transportation, riding your bike, or taking a rideshare service. 

Public Transportation to Target Center

Minneapolis has a strong public transportation system and it is an excellent choice for your transportation needs to get to and from an event at Target Center.

METRO Light Rail

For attendees coming to the Target Center from different parts of the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metropolitan area, the METRO Light Rail is an excellent choice for transportation. The METRO system consists of two lines:

• the Blue Line, which runs from downtown Minneapolis to the Mall of America through the airport
• the Green Line, connecting downtown Minneapolis with downtown Saint Paul

For the Target Center, your stop would be the Warehouse District/Hennepin Ave Station on either the Blue or Green Line. This station is conveniently located just a short walk away from the Target Center, making it an easy and hassle-free journey for event-goers.

The light rail service runs seven days a week and throughout the day, with trains every 10-15 minutes during peak hours and every 10-30 minutes during non-peak hours. Fare prices vary depending on the time of day, with regular fare being $2.00 and rush-hour fare being $3.25.

METRO Bus System

The METRO Bus service has an extensive network of routes throughout the Twin Cities and can be an effective way to get to the METRO Light Rail lines or directly to the Target Center.

The bus system operates throughout the day, with varying frequencies depending on the specific route and time. Fares for the bus service are the same as the light rail service. Route maps, schedules, and real-time bus tracking can be accessed through the METRO website or the Metro Transit app.

Review the METRO map below to plan your trip.

Ridesharing to Target Center

If you plan to use a rideshare service to get to Target Center, be aware that there is a dedicated pick-up and drop-off zone for events. Have your driver head to the corner of 1st Avenue and 6th Street and you’ll find the space you need to get in or out of the vehicle safely. 

Target Center Events

Home to more than just basketball, the Target Center also hosts concerts and other events throughout the year. If you would like to attend an upcoming event of any kind, use the table below to find great seats.

Bars and Restaurants near Target Center 

There are plenty of places to eat or drink near Target Center thanks to its location in the heart of Minneapolis. From the arena, you’ll be within walking distance of plenty of different types of establishments, so it’s easy to find something that suits your tastes and the needs of your group. 

Looking for a welcoming bar with some tasty food near the venue?

Try The Depot Tavern. Located on North 7th Street just around the corner from Target Center, the convenience of this spot is hard to beat.

If it’s not a pub setting that you are after, plenty of other restaurants are in the area, including:

• Tom’s Watch Bar Minneapolis
• Union Rooftop
• Fogo de Chao

Target Center Parking Tips for a Great Outing

Attending an event at an NBA arena should be a relaxing, enjoyable experience. Sometimes, however, traffic and transportation issues get in the way and turn the outing into a bit of a nightmare.  

Let’s review some basic parking and travel tips to ensure that doesn’t happen to you at Target Center.

Arrive Early and Beat Traffic

The traffic in and around Minneapolis has the potential to put the brakes on your plans for an evening out enjoying a game or concert. Plan your day to get to the arena early and secure parking before it gets crazy. 

Simply check to see when the gates will open, and you can arrive early to enjoy as much time inside the facility as possible. 

Know What You Can Bring

Target Center has specific policies regarding what can and can’t come into the building like all other stadiums. Check these rules in advance so you don’t have to leave things in the car. 

Remember Where You Parked!

There are plenty of parking spaces available in the area around Target Center. With such a massive parking area to cover, you don’t want to be searching for your vehicle at the end of the day. Consider snapping a quick picture of your car’s location on your phone so you can get back to it easily. 

Take Security Measures

You should always consider safety when parking for an event at a popular arena. Be sure to lock your vehicle as a starting point and take anything valuable out of the car or truck before you leave home. You might want to park in a well-lit area for more security if possible.

Have a Backup Plan

Unless you have purchased a parking pass in advance, it’s a good idea to have at least a few parking options in mind when you head out. That way, if your first option is full or otherwise unavailable, you won’t have to scramble to figure out where to go next.

Conclusion

Enjoying a game or event at Target Center in Minneapolis can be an unforgettable experience, but navigating parking and transportation is essential. This comprehensive Target Center parking tips guide provides valuable information on various parking options, including official and third-party lots. 

Whether you’re attending a Minnesota Timberwolves game or a concert, these tips will help you find the best parking solutions to save time and money. Consider arriving early to secure parking and make the most of your time inside the facility. 

With ample dining establishments nearby, your Target Center outing is sure to be a slam dunk.

Frequently Asked Questions for Parking at Target Center (FAQs)