Gopher Football Transportation Impacts This Friday

Learn how a rare weekday game will impact campus transportation.

Students cheering at a football game

This Friday, October 17, at 7 p.m., we will cheer on Gopher Football as we take on Nebraska at Huntington Bank Stadium. The game will significantly impact campus transportation and parking, particularly for those traveling to and from East Bank. Kickoff is later in the day, but gameday activities will begin much earlier, leading to heavy congestion and slower travel times throughout the afternoon. 

Parking impacts

We encourage all those who will be on campus this Friday to plan ahead for delays when driving and parking.

  • Starting at 12 p.m.: Entrances to listed parking facilities* will be closed to public and contract parkers. Those needing to park should consider public transit or use East River Road Garage.
  • Starting at 2 p.m.: Listed parking facilities* will be open for tailgating. This means a large influx of vehicles and fans. Please note that alcohol consumption and grilling is permitted during tailgating.
  • Contract parking users: Those parking in listed parking facilities* will be sent an email later today with instructions for parking on Friday.
  • Public parking users: Expect facilities on East Bank to fill more quickly than normal. Public parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Athletic parking ticketholders: Follow the instructions provided by Gopher Athletics.
  • Lot 108 park and ride: Lot 108 park and ride will shift to Lot 104 until 2 p.m. The free park and ride lot will not be available after 2 p.m. A valid U Card will be required for entry. Space may fill faster than usual, so plan for alternative parking if needed.

*Listed parking facilities include tailgating lots: Gateway, Gold, Gopher, Maroon, Minnesota, Ski-U-Mah, Victory, 37, 55, and 58; and parking-only facilities: Fourth Street Ramp and University Avenue Ramp.

Transit impacts

Campus bus routes will be impacted starting at 4 p.m. Friday.

  • 120/East Bank Circulator: Service will end at 4 p.m.
  • 121/Campus Connector: Gameday detour route will begin at 4 p.m. with service every 15 minutes.
  • 123/Fourth Street Circulator: The stop at 3M Arena at Mariucci will be closed beginning at 4 p.m. Instead, catch the bus on 5th Street SE at Lot 37.

What you can do

  • Consider using public transit or alternative transportation to campus.
  • If possible, adjust your schedule to avoid traveling around East Bank after 2 p.m. or consider speaking with your supervisor to see if working from home is an option in the afternoon and evening.
  • Be patient with delays and remain vigilant while traveling near large crowds.

Much like our celebrated academic, research, medical, and operational excellence, athletics is a big part of the campus community, drawing both fans and alumni with deep connections to the University. We appreciate everyone’s patience as we navigate this busy day.

Go Gophers and Ski-U-Mah!