Target Center (Minneapolis, Minnesota)

Target Center is a multi-purpose arena located in downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota. Target Center hosts major family shows, concerts, sporting events, graduations and private events. Target Corporation is the original and current naming rights partner of the arena. Seating over 20,000 for a concert, it contains 702 club seats and 68 suites.

The arena is home to the NBA’s Minnesota Timberwolves and the WNBA’s Minnesota Lynx. The facility has also hosted the LFL’s Minnesota Valkyrie, the RHI’s Minnesota Arctic Blast and the Arena Football League’s Minnesota Fighting Pike in the past.

General information

Official website: https://www.targetcenter.com/

Arena capacity: 18,798 spectators

Address: 600 N 1st Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403, USA

GPS coordinates for the navigator: 44°58′46″N 93°16′34″W

Year of construction: October 13, 1990

Construction cost: $199 million

Field: Multi-surface lawn

Seating plan of Target Center

Courtside Club

Sitting courtside at a Twolves game is the best way to be right on top of the action while enjoying the finest amenities the Target Center has to offer.

Courtside seating is available on all four sides of the floor. A single row of seats is available between the player benches and opposite the players. Behind the baskets you’ll find four rows of Courtside seating with Row A at the front.

In addition to superior views and close proximity to the players, ticketholders will enjoy a pre-game meal, in-seat wait service and other exclusive benefits.

Loge Boxes

(Rows 1-3 are part of the Loge Boxes)

The loge boxes at the Target Center are one of the best ways to experience Timberwolves basketball from within ten rows of the court. These boxes combine exclusive benefits with a unique seating arrangement to create a memorable experience for ticketholders.

Loge boxes are located behind each basket on the lower level and feature chairs set up at a table. Tables come with personal television monitors and plenty of space for you to place your all-inclusive food and drink. You’ll also be treated to wait service at your seats so you never miss a moment of the action.

With just 40 seats available for each game, these tickets are even more exclusive than courtside seating!

Recommended Seats for Kids and Family

Section 206:

• Ticket prices in the lower tier;
• Near some concessions on the upper level;
• Directly below on the lower level is an ice cream stand, perfect for the children.

Recommended Seats for Impressing a Guest

Sections 130 and 132:

• Close to the action from the lowest level of seating;
• Chance to be very close to the players from the section right behind the bench.

Recommended Seats for Great Views of the Court

Sections 111 and 131:

• Great views from mid-court;
• Close to the action on the lowest level of seating with excellent views of the whole court;
• Opportunity to be close to the players.

Where to buy tickets?

Target Center’s Box Office is located in the Life Time Lobby on the corner of 1st Avenue and 6th Street, and can be accessed via the street or via skyway.

Purchasing Tickets

Tickets for all Target Center events may be purchased at the Box Office, online at targetcenter.com or AXS.com, or by phone. There are NO AXS service fees on tickets purchased at the Box Office.

Timberwolves single-game tickets are available online and can be purchased by phone. On game days, tickets are also available at Target Center’s Box Office. For season memberships, packages, group tickets or suite rentals, contact the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Lynx single-game tickets are available online and can be purchased by phone. On game days, tickets are also available at Target Center’s Box Office. For season memberships, packages, group tickets or suite rentals, contact the Minnesota Lynx.

Target Center’s Box Office accepts payment in the form of VISA, MasterCard, American Express, Discover and cash.

There are no refunds and no exchanges on any ticket purchased for a Target Center concert, game or event. In the event that a show is cancelled or rescheduled, please contact the original point of purchase.

Mobile Ticket Delivery

Flash Mobile Delivery allows AXS account holders to manage, buy, sell and transfer tickets via AXS.com or the AXS app. No paper tickets required.

Box Office Will Call

Pre-purchased tickets via AXS.com or via AXS call center can be picked up at the Will Call windows located at Target Center’s Box Office two (2) hours prior to the ticketed event time. The customer whose name is on the order must present their valid photo ID to collect the tickets.

If a customer wishes to collect tickets that are not in his/her name, the original purchaser must call AXS and request another name be added as an alternate pick-up. Target Center’s Box Office is prohibited from providing will call tickets to anyone other than the individual whose name is listed on the order or has been added to an order as an alternate pick-up.

Children’s Tickets

For all Timberwolves/Lynx games and concerts: All children under 24 months do not need a ticket, but they must sit on the lap of the ticket holder. All children 24 months and older require a ticket to enter.

For all family shows, the policy varies by show so please check each individual event on AXS.com for more information.

On-Sale Procedure/Random Number Distribution Policy

Target Center’s Box Office reserves the right to utilize a “Random Number Distribution” procedure for all concert on-sales.

The following is the “Random Number Distribution” policy for Target Center’s Box Office:

Beginning one hour prior to the scheduled on-sale time on the day of the on-sale, fans in line will receive a number.  Once all customers currently in line at this time have a number, a random number will be drawn – that number will represent the first person in line for the on-sale.

The numbers will follow in numerical order after the first number is determined. Persons who arrive within one hour of the scheduled on-sale time, must line up at the end of the line of people with numbers. If a person is in line to get tickets, they must be able to stand in line alone and purchase the tickets on their own. During on-sales, the box office only accepts cash, MasterCard, Visa, Discover and American Express. If using a credit card you must show picture identification. The credit card must be in your name and you may not use someone else’s credit card.

You must be in line one hour prior to the scheduled on-sale time to receive a number. If you are not, you will not receive a number and will line up at the end of the line after the line of people with numbers has been formed.

Example:

450 people are issued a random number for an on-sale. The number drawn is 362 – this will represent the first person in line for the on-sale. Everyone else would line up in numerical order following number 362 – 363 would be second in line, 364 third, and so on. The person with the number 1 would line up after number 450.

Purpose of this “Random Number Distribution”:

• Prevents lineups that may interfere with other events at Target Center;
• Prevents overnight camping;
• Helps to prevent scalping;
• Ensures everyone a fair chance to be first in line.

The cost of a ticket to a game begins at $18 and ends at $75, but there may be lower priced seats on secondary market websites. However, a $20 price point to watch basketball with some of the best fans in the league is well worth the price at the box office.

As mentioned earlier, the arena is accessible via mass transit for around $4 or by car where parking lots cost somewhere in the range of $8 and $20. Depending on where you’re staying in town, the intricate skyway hovers over the city streets and provides protection from the summer heat.

How to get there?

Target Center is located at 600 1st Avenue North in the heart of the Warehouse and Entertainment district of Minneapolis. Target Center is on the northwest side of downtown Minneapolis between 6th and 7th Streets.

From North

Take I-35W South to the Washington Ave. Exit. Turn right on Washington Ave. To park at Ramp C – turn left on 3rd Ave. N. and right into the ramp. To park at Ramp B – turn left on 3rd Ave. N.; turn left on N. 5th St.; and turn right on 2nd Ave. N. To park at Ramp A – turn left on 1st Ave. N.; turn right on N. 7th St.

From South

Take I-35W North to the Downtown Exits and follow the 5th Ave. Exit. Turn left on N. 7th St. to park in Ramp A, or turn left on N. 7th St. and then right on 2nd Ave. N. to park in Ramp B.

From East

Take I-94 West to the 11th St. Exit. Follow 11th St. to Hennepin Ave. and turn right. Turn left on 9th St. Turn right on 2nd Ave. N. to Ramps A, B or C.

From West

Take I-394 East and exit directly into Ramp A or B – or – Take I-94 East to the N. 4th St. Exit. Turn left on 2nd Ave. N. then turn left into Ramp C.

Please be aware that these general directions do not take construction into account.  Make sure to confirm your exact route before you leave home.

Skyways

Target Center is connected by skyway to several downtown properties. The skyway system in Minneapolis connects buildings in an above-ground walkway network, and allows guests access to several hotels and hundreds of the fantastic restaurants and unique shops found in downtown Minneapolis – all without worrying about weather conditions.

Target Center is connected by skyway to many convenient parking locations, including Ramps A & B. A new skyway has been added on the south end of the building, allowing guests to enter and exit directly onto our 100 level concourse.

Please note: The specific skyway hours for each segment of the skyway vary and are at the discretion of each individual location/building.

Entrances

Target Center’s main entrance is located on the skyway (level 2).  Additional arena entry points are found in Life Time Lobby, located on 1st Avenue, and via the new skyway on the south end of the building near Ramp A. With the exception of our ADA guests, we ask that all guests entering the venue through the south skyway arrive without a bag, as this is a bagless entry point.

Huberts Restaurant is no longer operating within the venue and does not serve as an entry into the arena.

Parking Information

There are nearly 25,000 parking spaces in 38 parking lots and ramps throughout downtown, with most providing a short walk or convenient bus and light rail connections to Target Center.

Target Center is connected by skyway to Ramp A (7th Street Garage) and Ramp B (5th Street Garage). Simply park and proceed to the skyway level (Level 3) and walk across to Target Center.  ABC Ramps are the premier parking destination for sports fans and event-goers.  Event rates start at $15.  Guests are unable to reserve a spot in advance.

Reserve Discounted Parking

We recommend reserving parking in advance with SpotHero, a parking reservation service that connects drivers to discounted, convenient parking!

To book your spot, visit the official Target Center Parking Page to find and reserve convenient parking with rates up to 50% off drive-up. Book now and your space at the chosen facility is 100% guaranteed.

Many parking locations will sell out for Target Center events, so it is recommended that you purchase Target Center Passes in advance, if driving.

Other Parking Options

On-Street Parking: There are limited on-street, meter-controlled parking spots throughout downtown with pedestrian and transit access to Target Center.

ADA: Guests who require use of an elevator should park in Ramp A or B and enter the arena on skyway level. The official ADA drop-off and pick-up is temporarily located at the Blue Door on 6th Street, near 2nd Avenue. We apologize for the inconvenience, as the usual drop off area on 1st Avenue is not available due to our renovation

The Minneapolis Police Department First Precinct and the Downtown Improvement District (DID) are partnering in a theft from motor vehicle reduction strategy and education initiative dubbed “Put Your Junk in the Trunk”. The strategy is simple; valuables should not be left in the interior of a vehicle where a potential thief can see them.

Items such as purses, wallets, gym bags, cameras, laptops, briefcases, IPods, GPS units or any other items of value should be left at home or secured in the trunk of a vehicle. Even better is to place these items in the trunk prior to arriving at your destination. While a trunk lock is fairly easily defeated a thief will target cars with obvious valuables in sight long before he or she will take the time to explore locked trunks which may or may not yield valuables for the taking.

Public Transportation

We believe mass transit is a vital resource for our fans! You can reach Target Center and most downtown stores, restaurants and businesses on the Downtown Zone fare. For the most up-to-date schedules to/from Target Center events, visit Metro Transit.

Buses

Target Center is easy to access from the Bus Line. Simply tell the driver before you pay your fare that you will be riding only within the Downtown Zone to avoid paying the normal fare. If you ride outside the zone, the driver will ask you to pay the added fare. Transfers are not available with Downtown Zone fares.

Light Rail

Target Center is accessible by Light Rail and is located one block from the Warehouse District Light Rail Station. Patrons can purchase a Downtown Zone ticket at the station’s ticket machine. It is valid for one ride on the next train; if you leave the Downtown Zone without buying a regular fare ticket, you may be fined up to $180.

Biking Information

Ranked as the number two bicycling city in the nation, Minneapolis has 43 miles of streets with dedicated bicycle lanes and 84 miles of off-street bicycle paths. There are many biking route and rack options near Target Center in Downtown Minneapolis.

As with any mode of transportation, plan your route ahead of time and always allow extra time. Streets will be busy immediately before and after events, so visibility (lights, bright/reflective clothing, etc.) is very important.

Taxis

Riders can find a dedicated area for taxi drop-offs at the corner of 1st Avenue and 6th Street.

Uber & Ride-Sharing Apps

Riders can find a dedicated area for Uber pickups and drop-offs at the corner of 1st Avenue and 6th Street that’s easily accessible before and after games, concerts and events.

Preferred Hotels

Loews Minneapolis Hotel

601 North 1st Avenue
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55479

Whether it’s work or pleasure, or even a little of both, that brings you to the Twin Cities region, we have the room you need at the Loews Minneapolis Hotel. While we have the perfect downtown location, within walking distance of the city’s best entertainment and sports venues, our 251 rooms are the epitome of cool, calm and collected-and they’re stylish to boot. Look for unexpected touches in our newly rejuvenated guestrooms, all with great views of the city, and in some rooms, indulgent five-head showers.

Of course, all rooms come with our signature Loews amenities.With a distinctive look and feel, and all the comforts you want and need, our guestrooms are the best of all Minneapolis hotels. All rooms are accented with chic, comfortable linens, fully stocked minibars, free Wi-Fi, additional electrical outlets at the workstation and bedside, bedside reading lamps, and wall mounted flat-screen TVs. In the guestroom bathrooms, the features include limestone counters and glass basins.

And Loews features 2 excellent restaurants and lounges on property.  Cosmos serves New American cuisine for breakfast and dinner-and also offers a great wine list and creative cocktails. And new in 2015 is Apothecary Bar & Lounge. This central gathering place is the “living room” of the hotel, an inviting spot where guests can relax and enjoy great food and cocktails. Guests and locals alike can connect with friends and colleagues in our large communal seating areas or kick back and enjoy our cozy library area with a fireplace.

The menu reflects Chef Timothy Fischer’s passion for homegrown ingredients, house-cured meats and regionally sourced cheeses. The menu features small bites such as local Foie Gras Hot Dog, Sumac Curded Venison Jerky and Bison Sliders paired with Local Craft Beer. Shareable plates such as Build Your Own Charcuterie and Midwest Cheese will change on a regular basis, to make sure guests are tasting the best the Twin Cities and surrounding areas have to offer.  Apothecary also specializes in handcrafted cocktails, local microbrews and a Build Your Own Old-Fashioned concept.

Embury Spa, a full-service spa offering facials, massages and body treatments, along with finishing touches like make-up application, blow dries and waxing. For a truly relaxing visit, we recommend choosing one of our personalized half-day or full-day spa experiences.

If you only have time for a small dose of pampering, we can accommodate that, too, with our Embury Spa Essentials Express options-25-minute treatments focused on a specific area. Looking to relax with a special someone? Our Time for Two option allows for massages and body treatments for two in our Harmony Room.

And the Loews Minneapolis Hotel is directly across the street from the Target Center, and connected by the Skyway in case of inclement weather.  And 2 levels of underground parking make it convenient to attend any event.

Radisson Blu Minneapolis Downtown

35 7th Street South
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55403

A landmark of the Twin Cities skyline, the upper upscale Radisson Blu Minneapolis Downtown welcomes you with its outstanding location in the middle of the city. Explore Target Center, the theaters of Hennepin Avenue, Target Field and U.S. Bank Stadium, all within blocks of our front door. The hotel has direct access to the Minneapolis Skyway system.

While on-site parking options make it easy to drive in and stay downtown, we doubt you’ll need a car during your stay. Our 360 stylish rooms and suites feature amenities like free high-speed, wireless internet, great for checking the forecast before heading to a Timberwolves game. All rooms are non-smoking.

For breakfast, lunch and dinner, head to the on-site FireLake Grill House & Cocktail Bar, a popular downtown restaurant serving farm-to-table cuisine with a Midwestern flair. If you need dining suggestions while in the city, ask our concierge team for advice and helpful tips.

Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel, The Depot

225 3rd Avenue South
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55401

Historic elegance and downtown chic! Discover two hotels under one roof at the Depot complex. Perfect downtown location within walking distance to the Target Center, Target Field, Hennepin Theatre district, U.S. Bank Stadium, Guthrie, Stone Arch Bride, Mill City and the Light Rail transit connecting you to MSP airport and Mall of America.

You can even hop on the light rail transit to Target Center! Enjoy our spacious rooms/guest suites, full service Milwaukee Road restaurant/lounge, indoor pool, fitness center and relax by the fire on our outdoor patio! Our Residence Inn also features full kitchens and living areas for entertaining. Book the Target Center preferred rate today by using the link below or by calling directly.

Where to eat?

There is a complete overhaul in menu options that feature prominent local restaurant partners as well as chef-inspired and locally sourced food options. These include the city favorites along with traditional menu options for fans to select.

Parlour Burger grinds sirloin, ribeye, and brisket into their burgers, SotaRol that offer spicy tuna and crab/shrimp sushi burritos, and Fhima’s offer spicy chicken mac sandwiches and chicken tulips (a tender version of chicken wings with a signature seasoning).

Lord Fletcher’s offers walleye or pot roast sandwiches, City Girl Coffee has fan-favorite coffee drinks, and Freschetta offers Italian and meatball grinders. There are also brisket paninis, pulled pork loaded fries, chicken and waffles, and krispy krunchy chicken at other concession stands.

The beer selection includes Bud products along with local craft brews Surly, Lift Bridge, Fulton, and the ever-popular Grain Belt. Wine and cider are also available along with Coca-Cola products.

Atmosphere

The Lynx fans are among the best in the WNBA and last season averaged over 10,000 fans a game–only second to Los Angeles. They have been spoiled with winning seasons and long playoff runs for the past seven seasons that includes four titles and two finals appearances. They have been the most consistent winner in the Twin Cities this decade.

The team employs a hype man that attracts close to 10,000 faithful standing in the lower bowl before the opening tip-off. The crowd cheers vehemently as the team makes its way to the court and won’t sit down until the Lynx score a basket.

Prowl is the official mascot of the team is downright menacing than other mascots in the league. He also engages the crowd from the court or in the stands banging on a drum during the game.

The passionate crowd also gets treated to t-shirts tossed into the crowd during breaks, halftime shows, and the Lynx players even perform a dance after a home victory. Target Center serves as the perfect canvas for WNBA basketball and the biggest fanbase in the sport.

Neighborhood

Downtown Minneapolis is a collection of funky streets, numerous skyways above the streets, and up and coming neighborhoods that all seem to converge at Target Center and the neighboring Target Field ballpark.

A popular place across the street before games is Kieran Irish Pub, the outside patio is a great place to grab a drink if you arrive a tad early before the game. The Depot Tavern is an old bus station turned into a place for cocktails and beers, and Seven Steakhouse Sushi offers rooftop seating and views before or after the game.

The funky Hennepin Avenue has a collection of local establishments after the game for drinks and music, but the up and coming Warehouse District is just a few blocks away featuring casual seafood restaurant Smack Shack and craft breweries Fulton Brewing Taproom and Inbound BrewCo.

The Mill City Museum is a wonderful way to spend a few hours learning about the city’s milling industry along the river, Foshay Museum and Observation Deck offers stunning views of the city, and perhaps there is a chance to take a tour of the home of the Minnesota Vikings U.S. Bank Stadium. A few miles outside of town and accessible by car is Paisley Park Studios, the iconic former home Prince.

Fans

The Lynx fanbase is a group of supporters that any basketball team would want to have at home. The crowd is here to watch the game and cheer their club on to victory. The fan support is evident with average numbers around 10,000 a game, high TV numbers in the market, and the largest season ticket base in the WNBA. The crowd gathers up before the game at local spots near the arena with Lynx gear and once the game begins, they are glued to the action on the court.

History

Target Center underwent a major renovation that saw the replacement of all 19,006 of its original seats plus the addition of nearly 1,500 new seats as well as the reconfiguration of the lower bowl to make the arena more “fan-friendly”. In addition the arena’s original scoreboard was replaced with a new 9-by-16 foot video screen and LED signage, LED signage on the upper deck fascia, a new lounge (Club Cambria) and improved access for fans with disabilities.

Target Center was once one of three NBA arenas with parquet floors, including TD Garden in Boston, and Amway Arena (later Amway Center) in Orlando—the floor was replaced prior to the NBA season.

Target Center is the first arena to have a green roof. The Timberwolves and the city of Minneapolis introduced a $155 million proposal to remodel the Target Center. Plans included shifting the main entrance to the corner of 6th Street and First Avenue, two large glass atriums, another restaurant, and a complete remodel of the interior. The plan was approved by the Minnesota Legislature, as part of the bill that authorized a new stadium for the Minnesota Vikings.