U.S. Bank Stadium strictly enforces the NFL Clear Bag Policy (maximum dimensions 12" x 6" x 12", small clutches up to 4.5" x 6.5"). Fans access indoor heated concourses during freezing winter weather via the 9.5-mile Minneapolis Skyway network or take Metro Transit Light Rail directly to the West Plaza station.
1. The Indoor Skyway Walk: When winter temperatures in the Twin Cities drop below zero, do not walk outside. Use the Minneapolis Skyway to walk indoors from your downtown garage straight into the gates.
2. Light Rail Terminus: Metro Transit’s Blue and Green Lines stop right at the stadium's West Plaza station, offering $2.00 roundtrips from Mall of America, MSP Airport, or St. Paul.
3. Clear Bag Policy: Only clear bags up to 12" x 6" x 12" or small clutches (max 4.5" x 6.5") are permitted. Backpacks and coolers are prohibited.
4. Gates Open: Gates open 2 hours before kickoff. Enter through the Legacy Gate (West Plaza), Pentair Gate (South), Polaris Gate (North), or Ecolab Gate (Northeast).
Rising like a jagged Nordic warship out of Downtown Minneapolis, U.S. Bank Stadium opened in 2016 and instantly transformed the architectural landscape of the NFL. Engineered with a sharply pitched, snow-shedding translucent ETFE roof and the world’s largest pivoting glass doors, it captures the brilliant glow of the northern sun while keeping spectators completely insulated from freezing winter elements.
U.S. Bank Stadium Seating Levels & Gate Entrances
| Level / Section | Best Sightlines | Recommended Gate | Atmosphere & Views |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lower Bowl (100 Level) ⭐ | Sections 109-113 & 130-134 (Midfield) | Legacy Gate (West) | Sections 110-112 behind the Vikings sideline; turf-level suites; chest-thumping sound |
| Hyundai & Mystic Lake Clubs | Sections C1-C10 & V6-V10 | Pentair or Polaris VIP Gate | Upscale lounges, chef-carved buffets, private restrooms, wider cushioned seats |
| Upper Bowl (300 Level) | Sections 310-314 & 338-342 | Ecolab Gate (North) | Steep vertical tier keeps seats closer to the field; breathtaking view of downtown skyline |
| Medtronic Plaza & West End Zone | Sections 139-143 (Under Glass Doors) | Legacy Gate | Directly adjacent to the five 95-foot-tall pivoting glass doors and Gjallarhorn platform |
The Thunderous SKOL Chant & The Gjallarhorn
Few stadium traditions can rival the sensory power of the Vikings' pregame ritual. Minutes before team introductions, a celebrity or franchise Hall of Famer steps up to blow the Gjallarhorn—a mythical horn from Norse mythology.
Immediately following, a massive bass drum begins a slow, steady pulse. In unison, 66,000+ fans raise their hands above their heads, clapping twice on the beat while shouting "SKOL!" As the drumbeat accelerates, the acoustics of the enclosed steel-and-glass superstructure magnify the roar to deafening decibels.
Winter Transit: The Minneapolis Skyway System
Minneapolis features the largest contiguous enclosed skyway system in the world, stretching over 9.5 miles across 80 downtown city blocks.
Even during blizzard conditions in December and January when temperatures plunge well below zero, fans can park in downtown parking ramps (such as the Haaf Ramp or Jerry Haaf Memorial Ramp), grab brunch at downtown pubs, and walk through heated, second-story glass skybridges directly into the stadium security checkpoints without ever wearing a heavy winter parka.
Twin Cities Concessions: Cheese Curds & Revival
Concessions at U.S. Bank Stadium celebrate beloved Minnesota and Midwestern favorites:
- Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery Cheese Curds: Squeaky Wisconsin white cheddar curds battered in crisp batter, flash-fried golden, and served piping hot with lingonberry jam or ranch.
- Revival Fried Chicken: Minneapolis’s acclaimed southern comfort restaurant serves crispy fried chicken sandwiches drizzled with spicy habanero honey and sweet pickles.
- Kramarczuk’s Sausages: Handcrafted Polish sausages and bratwursts from Northeast Minneapolis, grilled on the charcoal flattop and piled with warm sauerkraut.