How to Visit Target Center, Home of the Minnesota Lynx and Timberwolves
How to Visit Target Center, Home of the Minnesota Lynx and Timberwolves
By Caitlin Hannah
Thanks to restless playoff runs and such rising stars as Naz Reid and Napheesa Collier, the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx have drawn big crowds to downtown Minneapolis in recent years. Here is everything you need to know about their home Target Center, which has also hosted such major events, comedians and musicians as Metallica, Adam Sandler, Megan Thee Stallion and Kevin Hart.
Target Center is a multi-use arena located in the heart of vibrant downtown Minneapolis / Target Center, courtesy Meet Minneapolis
WHERE TO PARK
There are nearly 25,000 parking spaces throughout 38 surface lots and ramps across downtown Minneapolis. Metered street parking is available within walking distance of the arena.
Ride share services are available at designated pick-up and drop-off locations outside the stadium. Bike racks are located outside the arena and public transportation along the bus or light rail lines are also available.
David Fhima at a food preview for the Minnesota Timberwolves / North Loop Neighborhood Association
WHAT TO EAT AT TARGET CENTER
Concession availability may vary based on the event. Some popular options at Minnesota Timberwolves and Minnesota Lynx games include the Chicken Shack, Northwood Diner, Frozen Spoon, Rolling Smoke, and more.
Local restauranteur / chef David Fhima (Fhima's, Mother Dough, Maison Margaux) works with BIPOC chefs and vendors to source local ingredients serving restaurant-quality food and beverage options for all sports fans.
Kieran's Irish Pub
WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK NEAR TARGET CENTER
Located in downtown Minneapolis' popular Warehouse District, there are dozens of places to eat or drink before an event. Some local favorites include Kieran’s Irish Pub, O’Donovan’s Irish Pub, Gluek’s Restaurant and Bar, The Loon Cafe, and more.
The lobby at Rand Tower
WHERE TO STAY NEAR TARGET CENTER
There are several hotels to stay within walking distance of the stadium, including chains like the Hampton Inn and Suites and Holiday Inn Express, and more luxurious options like The Lofton Hotel, The Millennium Minneapolis, Rand Tower Hotel, and Four Seasons Minneapolis.
Minneapolis is also home to dozens of other accommodation options, and many offer complimentary shuttles to and from events.
ACCESSIBILITY
For information regarding accessible options at the arena, please visit Target Center’s resource page.
A Timberwolves watch party at Falling Knife Brewing Co.
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM A TIMBERWOLVES GAME
The Minnesota Timberwolves debuted in 1989, bringing the NBA back to Minneapolis for the first time since 1960. That's when financial struggles forced the Minnesota Lakers to relocate to Los Angeles despite having won four of the NBA's first five championships.
The Timberwolves have had an impressive roster throughout the years, including Kevin Garnett, Stephon Marbury and Kevin Love. Current team members include Karl Anthony-Towns, Rudy Gobert, Jaden McDaniels, and what some commentators have declared the second coming of Michael Jordan (Anthony Edwards, a.k.a. ANT).
The Wolves have had nine playoff appearances and won the Midwest Division title in 2004. In 2024, the Minnesota Timberwolves advanced to the Western Conference finals, 20 years to the day of their last finals appearance. They ended up losing to the Dallas Mavericks in five games, but not before captivating the country with viral moments like Edwards' impromptu "bya!" call to NBA icon Charles Barkley.
For season schedules and ticket information, visit the official Timberwolves site.
Courtesy of Minnesota Timberwolves & Lynx Organization
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM A LYNX GAME
Minnesota's most successful team won the WNBA's Commissioner’s Cup in 2024 and national championships in 2011, 2013, 2015 and 2017. In the 25 years since their inaugural season, they've made the playoffs 12 times.
The team’s incredible roster of talents has included all-star Seimone Augustus, one of the WNBA’s top scorers and an Olympic Gold Medal winner; and Lindsay Whalen, a Minnesota native with several collegiate records who reached the Final Four with the Minnesota Golden Gophers.
The Minnesota Lynx are the state's winningest professional team
Top players currently include Bridget Carleton, Napheesa Collier, Dorka Kata, Kayla McBride, Alissa Pili and Alanna Smith. The team plays at Target Center from May through September. For current schedules and ticket information, visit the official Lynx site.
Find out more about Minnesota's professional sports teams.
Caitlin Hannah is Explore Minnesota's senior digital social strategist. When traveling around the state, she likes spending time near the water, hiking, antique shopping, trying new restaurants, and watching hockey.