Parking lots and ramps connected to the stadium
U.S. Bank Stadium has five parking structures and surface lots within walking distance or a short ride. The stadium itself does not operate all of them — some are managed by the Minnesota Vikings, others by separate parking companies — but all are designed for event attendees.
The closest option is the Vikings Parking Ramp, a multi-level structure directly attached to the stadium on the north side. This fills first on game days and event days. The Loring Parking Ramp sits one block west and connects to the stadium via a skyway bridge, which matters in winter. The Marquette Parking Ramp is two blocks south, also with skyway access during cold months.
Two surface lots — the 5th Street Lot and the Metrodome Lot — offer cheaper rates but require a walk of five to ten minutes. The Metrodome Lot is the largest and usually has availability even when ramps are full.
Key Takeaways
- The Vikings Parking Ramp is closest but fills first; Loring and Marquette ramps offer skyway access to avoid winter weather.
- Surface lots cost less than ramps but require a longer walk and have fewer attendants during busy events.
- Rates vary by event type and day of week; Vikings games cost more than concerts or other events.
- Parking is not reserved in advance for most events — you arrive and pay at the booth or meter.
- Street parking on surrounding blocks is free but limited and fills quickly on event days.
Rates and what they depend on
Parking cost depends on the event, the day of the week, and which lot you choose. Vikings games charge more than concerts or other events. Weekend events cost more than weekday ones. Ramps cost more than surface lots.
The Vikings Parking Ramp typically charges between $20 and $30 for a Vikings game, depending on the opponent and time of season. Loring and Marquette ramps run $15 to $25 for the same event. Surface lots run $10 to $15. These are not fixed prices — the stadium uses variable pricing, meaning rates go up when demand is high and down when it is low.
Some events, like certain concerts or community gatherings, may have lower rates or free parking. Check the event listing or call the stadium box office at 612-338-4537 to confirm the rate for your specific date.
How to pay and what payment methods work
Most lots accept payment at the exit booth when you leave. You drive to the booth, a cashier or machine reads your license plate, and you pay cash or card. Some ramps have pay-as-you-exit machines where you insert your parking ticket and pay before you drive out.
Credit cards and debit cards are accepted at all ramps and most surface lots. Cash is accepted everywhere. Mobile payment apps like ParkWhiz or SpotHero sometimes offer pre-purchased parking for U.S. Bank Stadium lots, which can lock in a rate in advance, but this is not the standard method — most people pay when they leave.
Street parking and free alternatives
Free street parking exists on blocks surrounding the stadium, particularly on the north and east sides. Streets like 5th Street South, 6th Street South, and Chicago Avenue have metered spots that are free after 6 p.m. on weekdays and all day on Sundays, though this varies by block.
On game days and major events, free spots fill within 30 minutes of gates opening. If you arrive early enough — at least 90 minutes before an event — you have a reasonable chance of finding a free spot within a five-block walk. If you arrive closer to start time, assume paid parking is your only option.
The city of Minneapolis publishes a parking map showing which streets are metered and when. You can view it at minneapolismn.gov/parking or call 311 for current information about a specific block.
Public transportation as an alternative to driving
The Metro Transit light rail (the Green Line) stops at the Stadium Village station, which is one block from the stadium. This is often faster than driving and parking, especially for evening events when traffic is heavy. A single ride costs $2.50; a day pass costs $5.
Metro Transit buses also serve the stadium area. Routes 3, 4, 6, and 21 stop within two blocks. Check metrotransit.org for schedules and real-time arrival information.
If you are coming from outside Minneapolis, the light rail connects to the airport and to downtown St. Paul, so you can park at a park-and-ride lot or take a bus to the light rail and avoid downtown parking altogether.
Accessibility parking and reserved spots
The stadium has accessible parking spaces for people with disabilities who have a valid disabled parking permit or license plate. These spaces are located in the Vikings Parking Ramp and cost the same as regular parking. You do not need to reserve them in advance — they are held for disabled permit holders on a first-come, first-served basis.
If you have a disabled permit and want to confirm that accessible spaces will be available, call the stadium box office at 612-338-4537 at least one day before your event. Staff can tell you which ramp has the most accessible spaces and direct you to the entrance closest to the stadium.
Companion parking (a space for someone assisting a disabled person) is also available and follows the same rules as accessible parking.
What to expect on busy event days
On Vikings game days, especially playoff games or games against popular opponents, parking ramps can reach capacity one to two hours before kickoff. When a ramp is full, attendants close the entrance and direct drivers to other lots.
If the Vikings Parking Ramp is full, plan to use Loring or Marquette. If those are full, the surface lots usually still have space. Arriving at least two hours early on a major game day gives you the best chance of parking in a ramp rather than a surface lot.
After events end, expect 30 to 45 minutes of congestion in parking ramps as thousands of people leave at once. Bring your parking ticket with you so you do not have to return to your car to find it. If you parked in a surface lot, you can leave more quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reserve a parking spot in advance?
Most U.S. Bank Stadium lots do not take advance reservations. You arrive and pay when you leave. Some third-party apps like ParkWhiz allow you to purchase a spot in advance for certain lots, which locks in the rate, but this is optional and not the standard method.
Is there overnight parking if I want to leave my car there after an event?
No. All parking lots close after events end and do not permit overnight parking. You must retrieve your car the same day. If you are attending a late-night event and do not want to drive home, use the light rail or a rideshare service instead.
What happens if I lose my parking ticket?
Tell the attendant at the exit booth that you lost your ticket. They will look up your license plate in the system and charge you the standard rate for that lot and event type. Bring your driver's license so they can verify your vehicle.
Do I have to pay for parking if the event is cancelled?
If you parked and the event is cancelled before you leave the lot, most ramps will waive the fee if you explain the situation to the attendant. If you already paid and left, contact the parking company or the stadium box office to request a refund, though policies vary.
Is there parking for tour buses or large vehicles?
The stadium has limited oversized vehicle parking. Call the stadium box office at 612-338-4537 at least one week before your event to arrange parking for a bus or large vehicle. Standard car parking ramps cannot accommodate vehicles over 6 feet 6 inches tall.