Vikes, 'U' Seek To Fix TCF Stadium Parking Kinks
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- With the last home preseason game over, Vikings fans are ready for the first regular season at TCF Bank Stadium.
But the new location brings some added challenges, with fans struggling while getting around the stadium.
"Over the last 8 - 10 months, we've really worked with the university, the police, Metro Transit just to understand all the logistics," said Jeff Anderson, director of communication for the Vikings.
Construction and road closures made for heavy traffic before and after the preseason games. Other fans, like Colton Croft of Virginia, Minn., are simply unfamiliar with the area.
"Especially with all the road construction down here, it was really confusing," Croft said.
Most of the fans WCCO talked to avoided driving all together, taking the light rail to the stadium. Jim Greehalgh of Waterloo, Iowa was happy he made that decision.
"It's easier to get over here. Way easier, and you don't have the driving, parking, outrageous fees and what not," Greehalgh said.
The Vikings are encouraging fans to use the light rail, buses and bikes, as well as to leave extra time to get to the game.
"We're asking people, you know, be patient," Anderson said. "This will be a challenge for the university, for our fans, for the neighborhoods. But all in all, we think it will be a great two years."
Metro Transit added additional light rail lines Saturday from downtown to the stadium to help alleviate traffic.
The Vikings are also encouraging people to purchase season-long parking passes, so they'll always have the same spot.
Click here for parking and transportation information.
