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Can You Get to a Gophers Hockey Game From Downtown Minneapolis Without a Car? The Fall 2026 Homestand From Oakland’s on 9th

Can You Get to a Gophers Hockey Game From Downtown Minneapolis Without a Car? The Fall 2026 Homestand From Oakland’s on 9th

Yes, and fall is the best time to try it. Minnesota Gophers men’s hockey opens its home slate at 3M Arena at Mariucci on the University of Minnesota campus with a rivalry series against North Dakota on October 22–23, then rolls through Penn State, Wisconsin and Alaska Anchorage into mid-November. If you are staying downtown at Oakland’s on 9th, you can plan the whole homestand without parking a car.

When are the Gophers home hockey games this fall?

Here is what the official Gophers schedule lists for October and November 2026. Times are Central, and the schedule shows several as still to be announced, so check it again before you go.

  • Thu., Oct. 22: North Dakota, 7:00 p.m. (home opener)
  • Fri., Oct. 23: North Dakota, 6:00 p.m.
  • Fri.–Sat., Oct. 30–31: Penn State, times to be announced
  • Thu. and Sat., Nov. 5 and 7: Wisconsin, times to be announced
  • Fri.–Sat., Nov. 13–14: Alaska Anchorage, 7:00 p.m. each night
  • Fri., Nov. 27: Minnesota State, 4:00 p.m.

One source note: the university’s schedule announcement lists the Penn State series as Oct. 29–Nov. 1, while the live schedule page lists Oct. 30 and 31. We are using the schedule page and suggest confirming before you book.

The 1889 Oakland’s on 9th brownstone at dusk in downtown Minneapolis, a car-free base for Gophers hockey nights

Can you get from Oakland’s on 9th to Mariucci without a car?

Oakland’s on 9th sits at 215 South 9th Street, downtown. The U of M campus is across the river, and Metro Transit’s trip planner will give you the current options for your game day, whether that is a bus, a light-rail connection or a rideshare. We are not going to guess at route numbers or walk times here, because service changes, and a game-night plan is only as good as the live schedule. Our guide to getting around without a car covers the basics, and our University of Minnesota housing guide explains the campus side.

If you are heading out on foot, the Skyway is a block from the building. To be clear, Oakland’s on 9th is not directly connected to the Skyway; you walk a block to reach it. Our Skyway guide explains hours and entrances.

Why stay downtown for a Gophers hockey weekend?

Hockey weekends often pair with other things: a basketball game at The Barn, a night at a downtown theater, or a Wild game. Our guides to Gophers basketball and Minnesota Wild hockey show how the schedule stacks up. Staying downtown puts all of it within reach in a single trip.

A wooden desk and chair in a bay window of a furnished studio at Oakland’s on 9th, with downtown Minneapolis outside

What does a furnished studio add to a game weekend?

Each Oakland’s on 9th studio comes fully furnished with a full kitchen, and WiFi, utilities, heat and free laundry are included. There are no contracts, so you can book a night, a week or a month. That is handy for families visiting a player, alumni coming back for the Wisconsin series, or anyone who wants to make a long weekend of it. Some units are pet friendly. The building is a restored 1889 brownstone, so you get character along with the convenience.

The Foshay Tower and other downtown Minneapolis high-rises seen through a window at Oakland’s on 9th

How do you book?

Reserve a studio at our booking page or call (612) 314-5124 with questions. Game-weekend dates, especially the North Dakota and Wisconsin series, are likely to be popular, so booking early is a good idea. We would love to host you.

Keep reading: Where Should You Stay for Steve Martin & Martin Short and Maybe Happy Ending at the Orpheum?

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