How Much Is Parking at Target Center?
Parking at Target Center typically ranges from $10 to $40 per event, depending on the lot, proximity to the arena, and how far in advance you book.
The three closest ramps — Ramp A, Ramp B, and Ramp C — sit directly across the street from the arena and are connected via skyway. Rates at these ramps generally fall between $9 and $15 for standard events, though pricing can climb on high-demand game nights and playoff matchups. Third-party surface lots and ramps spread across downtown Minneapolis offer a wider price range, with some options starting as low as $6 when booked in advance through platforms like Parking.com, while premium or valet options near the arena can push toward $30 to $40.
The single best way to control your parking cost is to book ahead. Target Center officially recommends SpotHero, where prepaid reservations can deliver savings of up to 50% off drive-up rates. Prices rise sharply in the final hours before tip-off, so locking in a spot early is always the smarter financial move for Timberwolves fans.
Target Center Parking Lots and Maps
Target Center does not operate its own dedicated parking lots, but sits within one of downtown Minneapolis’s most parking-dense districts, with nearly 25,000 spaces spread across 38 lots and ramps throughout downtown.
The three primary ramps used by arena visitors are Ramp A, Ramp B, and Ramp C. Ramp A is located on the south side of the arena near N. 7th Street and connects to the arena via skyway. Ramp B is accessible from 2nd Avenue North off N. 5th Street and also links to the skyway network. Ramp C sits near 3rd Avenue North and Washington Avenue, making it a strong option for fans arriving from I-35W South. Mayo Clinic Square Ramp is another skyway-connected option, accessible from N. 7th Street, making it a convenient choice for fans who want a covered walk to the arena.
For a full interactive map of all downtown Minneapolis parking options, Target Center directs fans to MPLS Parking at mplsparking.com. Fans can also browse real-time availability and book reserved spaces through SpotHero, ParkWhiz, or Parking.com ahead of game day. The Itasca Lot at 707 N. 1st St. sits just 0.1 miles from the arena and is one of the closest surface options available through third-party booking apps. The Borealis Lot at 119 N. 8th Ave. is roughly 0.2 miles away and offers a slightly more affordable alternative.
Preferred/Premium Parking at Target Center
The closest and most convenient premium parking at Target Center comes from Ramp A and Ramp B, which are connected directly to the arena via the Minneapolis skyway system — meaning fans walk indoors the entire way to their seats regardless of winter weather.
For the ultimate door-to-door experience, valet parking is available at Target Center for events. This option can be added as part of your ticket purchase and is handled through the venue directly. For fans who want valet-adjacent service through a third party, the Hewing Hotel Valet Kiosk at 300 N. Washington Ave. (about 0.3 miles away) and the Spoon and Stable Valet Kiosk at 211 N. 1st St. (approximately 0.3 miles) are both bookable through ParkWhiz for premium rates.
Fans holding season tickets or premium club seats should check their ticket package for bundled or discounted parking in Ramp A, the closest skyway-connected ramp to the arena’s south entrance. Booking any premium lot at least 48 hours before the game is strongly recommended, as the closest spaces sell out fast on marquee matchups.
Free Parking Near Target Center
Truly free parking near Target Center is limited, but a few options exist for budget-conscious fans willing to walk or plan ahead.
There are limited on-street, meter-controlled parking spots scattered throughout downtown Minneapolis near the arena. On-street meters on 7th Street between 1st Avenue and 2nd Avenue are among the closest free or low-cost options when meters are not in effect — typically evenings and weekends, though you should always check posted signage carefully before leaving your car. A handful of spots also appear on Hennepin Avenue, but they fill up very quickly on game nights.
Another cost-saving strategy is to park further out along the METRO Blue or Green Line and ride the train downtown. The Blue Line offers free park-and-ride spaces at the 30th Avenue and Fort Snelling stations, and the train drops you at the Warehouse District/Hennepin Avenue Station — a short walk from Target Center. From a downtown rail station, the fare is just 50 cents each way. For fans coming from the southwest suburbs, SouthWest Transit’s SW Shuttle runs directly to Timberwolves games from stations in Eden Prairie, Chanhassen, and Chaska, eliminating parking costs entirely.
Can You Tailgate at Target Center?
Tailgating is prohibited in Ramps A, B, and C — the three official ramps directly adjacent to Target Center — so fans looking for a pre-game tailgate need to plan accordingly.
Some third-party surface lots scattered around downtown Minneapolis do allow tailgating, and those that permit it typically advertise it explicitly. However, these lots are often located 10 or more blocks from Target Center, so factor in the longer walk when choosing a tailgate spot. If you do find a lot that allows it, be aware that sound-amplifying equipment is prohibited and wood-burning fires are not allowed — food must be prepared on charcoal or propane grills only.
For most Timberwolves fans, the practical pre-game alternative to tailgating is the dense bar and restaurant scene in the Warehouse District directly surrounding the arena. The neighborhood offers dozens of options for food and drinks within a few blocks of the venue, making it easy to pregame without needing a parking lot. Check your lot’s posted rules on arrival, as policies can vary by operator and event type.
ADA and Handicap Parking at Target Center
Target Center is fully ADA compliant and provides a dedicated drop-off and pick-up lane on 1st Avenue in front of the building, with entry through the Life Time Lobby at the corner of 1st Avenue and 6th Street.
Guests who require elevator access should park in Ramp A or Ramp B, both of which are skyway-connected to the arena at skyway level. These ramps provide the smoothest, most accessible route into the building without navigating stairs or exterior terrain. Handicap-accessible parking spots are available in both surface lots and ramps throughout the downtown area, with all spots clearly marked. Most ramps in the area are ADA-compliant with designated accessible spaces.
For additional assistance during an event, guests can visit Guest Services near sections 116 or 216, or text 952-592-5520 for in-event support. Target Center representatives are also reachable at 612-673-1300 during regular business hours Monday through Friday. Guests with hearing impairments can request ASL interpreter services and dedicated seating in section 106 by emailing ticketing@targetcenter.com at least 10 business days before the event.
Uber and Lyft Drop-Off at Target Center
The designated rideshare drop-off and pick-up zone for Target Center is located at the corner of 1st Avenue North and 6th Street, adjacent to the Life Time Lobby entrance.
This area is well-marked on event nights and provides direct access to the arena’s main entrance, making it one of the most convenient entry points for fans arriving by rideshare. When setting your destination in the Uber or Lyft app, entering ‘600 1st Avenue North, Minneapolis, MN’ will bring your driver to the correct block.
After the game, rideshare demand spikes significantly and wait times increase along with prices due to surge pricing. To minimize post-game wait time, consider walking a block or two away from the immediate arena entrance before requesting your ride, or request your car a few minutes before the final buzzer if you plan to leave early. Pre-scheduling a ride through Lyft or setting a pickup time in Uber before the game ends is another practical way to avoid the post-game surge.
Public Transit to Target Center
Public transit is one of the most efficient ways to reach Target Center, and the arena is directly served by the METRO Blue Line and METRO Green Line light rail systems, as well as multiple Metro Transit bus routes.
Both light rail lines stop at the Warehouse District/Hennepin Avenue Station, which is the closest rail stop to Target Center and just a short walk from the arena’s main entrance. Fans traveling from Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport or the Mall of America can board the Blue Line, while fans coming from downtown St. Paul or the University of Minnesota area can ride the Green Line. Within the downtown core, rides from a rail station cost just 50 cents each way. The Metro Transit All-Day Pass is valid from time of purchase through 2:00 a.m. the next day, making it ideal for an evening game.
For fans arriving by car from suburban areas, park-and-ride lots along the Blue Line at 30th Avenue and Fort Snelling stations offer free parking and a direct train connection to the arena. Fans from the southwest metro — Eden Prairie, Chanhassen, and Chaska — can also use the SouthWest Transit SW Shuttle service, which runs directly to Timberwolves games. For trip planning, use the Metro Transit app or visit metrotransit.org, or call 612-373-3333 for assistance.
Target Center Parking Tips
The most important Target Center parking tip is to book your space in advance — drive-up rates are significantly higher than prepaid rates, and the closest lots sell out well before tip-off on popular game nights.
Arrive at least 60 to 90 minutes before game time to avoid peak traffic congestion around the arena. If you are driving from the south via I-35W, Ramp C off 3rd Avenue North is the most accessible first option. From I-394 East, you can exit directly into Ramp A or Ramp B, making those ramps ideal for fans coming in from the western suburbs. Use the Timberwolves + Target Center app to monitor event times and check real-time congestion before you head out.
For the best value, book through SpotHero using the Target Center’s official link, which can deliver savings of up to 50% off drive-up pricing. Fans who want a weather-proof walk should prioritize Ramp A or Ramp B — both connect to the arena through the heated Minneapolis skyway system. If your goal is the cheapest possible parking, book a spot 4 to 6 blocks away from the arena through Parking.com or ParkWhiz, where rates start considerably lower than the immediate-adjacent ramps. When exiting after the game, choosing your exit route before you park — not after — is the fastest way to avoid post-game gridlock.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does parking cost at Target Center?
Parking at Target Center ranges from roughly $10 to $40 per event. The three closest ramps u2014 Ramp A, Ramp B, and Ramp C u2014 typically run $9 to $15, while premium and valet options can reach $30 to $40. Booking in advance through SpotHero can save up to 50% off drive-up rates.
What are the closest parking ramps to Target Center?
Ramp A, Ramp B, and Ramp C are the three closest ramps to Target Center and sit directly across the street from the arena. All three connect to Target Center via the Minneapolis skyway system, so fans can walk to their seats indoors. Mayo Clinic Square Ramp is another skyway-connected option accessible from N. 7th Street.
Can I tailgate at Target Center?
Tailgating is not permitted in Ramps A, B, or C. Some third-party surface lots in downtown Minneapolis do allow tailgating and will advertise it u2014 these are typically located 10 or more blocks from the arena. Wood-burning fires are not allowed; charcoal or propane grills only.
Where do Uber and Lyft drop off at Target Center?
The designated rideshare drop-off and pick-up zone is at the corner of 1st Avenue North and 6th Street, near the Life Time Lobby entrance. Set your destination to 600 1st Avenue North, Minneapolis, MN in the app for the most accurate drop-off location.
What is the best way to get to Target Center without driving?
The METRO Blue Line and METRO Green Line both stop at the Warehouse District/Hennepin Avenue Station, which is the closest light rail stop to Target Center. Within the downtown zone, rail fares are just 50 cents each way. Multiple Metro Transit bus routes also serve the area.
Is there free parking near Target Center?
Free parking near Target Center is very limited. On-street meters in the area may not be enforced on evenings and weekends u2014 check posted signage carefully. The most reliable free parking option is using a Blue Line park-and-ride lot at 30th Avenue or Fort Snelling stations and taking the train downtown.
Where is ADA parking and drop-off at Target Center?
The ADA drop-off and pick-up zone is located at the corner of 1st Avenue and 6th Street, at the Life Time Lobby entrance. Guests requiring elevator access should park in Ramp A or Ramp B and enter the arena on skyway level. For in-event assistance, text 952-592-5520 or visit Guest Services near sections 116 or 216.
Can I book Target Center parking in advance?
Yes. Target Center officially recommends booking parking in advance through SpotHero, which offers prepaid reservations at nearby garages and lots with savings of up to 50% off drive-up rates. ParkWhiz and Parking.com also list bookable spaces near the arena.
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