Minnesota. The Twin Cities. Home of the lovable Twins, who have somehow been able to win their division again despite a low payroll. Home of a big mall, nice people and Randy Moss. But what exactly is there to do in Minnesota? Here’s what you can do while up at the home of the Golden Gophers on Saturday.
directions
A long ride, but it’s not that hard. From the Arch, take Chicago Ave. south to Dempster Street. Go right on Dempster to I-294 South. You’re not on I-294 long so be ready. Once you get to O’Hare International Airport, start heading west on I-90 towards Rockford. Keep going on I-90 West, which will join with I-94 West around Madison, Wis., home of the Big Ten Badgers we upset last year for Homecoming. Drop by if you want and make fun of them. Then get in your car and keep going. Fast. Stay on I-94 West all the way into Minneapolis. Once in the city, take the Fifth Street exit, 234B. Continue on Fifth Street south for a third of a mile and the stadium is on your right.
The stadium
Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome
Capacity: 64,172
Built: 1982
Surface: Artificial Turf
Tickets: Available
Fast Fact: In honor of Joe Gibbs’ return to the Redskins, the last time the Redskins won the Super Bowl (or anything) was in this building in 1992. They beat the Bills 37-24.
tailgating
C’mon. People in Minnesota don’t tailgate. Every now and then a little party might happen on campus, but you won’t find too many parking lot parties going on before the game on Saturday night. But last time we were there it was a weekday, so who knows?
the crowd
The Metrodome has always been known as one of the loudest buildings around, making it tough for any of the Gophers’ opponents. The place isn’t always sold out, but they usually fill the lower bowl from 35 to 35 with alumni and boosters, and the student section is pretty good.
the FIGHT SONG
In all honesty, we at the Daily do not appreciate Minnesota Rouser very much. The tune is nice but the lyrics are simply dreadful. Spotting it with a whole bunch of thees and thys isn’t very modern — not to mention the line “Rah! Rah! Rah! For Ski-U-Mah.” We don’t really know what that means, but we’ll venture a guess it has something to do with the abundance of snow up there. At the end of the song everyone spells out Minnesota and that’s always fun. But that’s all we like.
BEST OF MINNEAPOLIS
If you’re seeking sustenance either before or after the game, keep these places in mind:
Must See: Stadium Village, an area on campus with lots of bars and restaurants.
Best Hangout: The mall, right in the middle of campus, where students chill and study on a grassy quad.
Best Bar: Stub & Herb’s, 227 Oak St. SE
