Huntington Bank Stadium, Minneapolis

There’s no better way to spend a crisp fall Saturday in Minneapolis than cheering on the Golden Gophers at Huntington Bank Stadium. Opened in 2009, this 50,805-seat gem is the Big Ten’s freshest stadium since 1960, offering top-notch sightlines, modern amenities, and one of the most impressive scoreboards in all of college football.

If you’re heading to a game, make sure to settle into your seat at least 20 minutes before kickoff. Why? So you can catch The Pride of Minnesota—the University’s iconic marching band—storming the field to Sousa’s “Minnesota March.” As the band forms a massive “Block M” and breaks into the cherished Minnesota Rouser, the stadium comes alive. Moments later, the Golden Gophers charge onto the turf, greeted by the thunderous cheers of maroon-and-gold-clad fans.

Of course, the Gopher game-day experience isn’t confined to the stadium. Around campus, a carnival of tailgates springs to life. University Avenue becomes a hive of activity, where students pack fraternity lawns for a tailgate scene as lively as it is eclectic. Meanwhile, nearby parking lots—and even spots on the Saint Paul campus—are filled with Gopher faithful, setting up everything from simple cooler-and-chair arrangements to full-blown catering spreads with multiple TVs showing live games. When it comes to pre-game revelry, Gopher fans are seasoned pros.

And the fun doesn’t stop at football. Right across the street, you can catch Gophers basketball at Williams Arena, volleyball at Maturi Pavilion, or hockey at both 3M Arena at Mariucci and Ridder Arena. Whether you’re in the mood for more sports or looking to explore the University’s rich arts and cultural offerings, there’s always something happening at “the U.”