Coolest arena anywhere as far as I'm concerned. It seems like I practically grew up here as my family has had season tickets my whole life, and each game continues to be so memorable. I love the uniqueness of this place, the history, the stories people tell, and the fans! Tonight we cheered the gophers on against the badgers and it was a sold out crowd. A huge, overflowing student section and fans from ages 1 to 101. They have great concessions, including chickfila this year! And you can't miss the giant bowl of peppermint bon bon ice cream. Love popcorn? They have some of the best. read more

Williams Arena - Stadiums & Arenas Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

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Since it's been awhile since I wrote a review on Williams Arena, I thought I'd give an update. My most recent visit was to watch a Women's Basketball game. We sat in the first row of the upper section (207) and they were amazing seats. Mid-court and high enough to see the plays develop but not too high so that the basketball does not look like a marble. We have been parking in the Washington Avenue Ramp of late and it's been a great place to easily get in and out from I94. I always enjoy watching games here. Fans are a bit rowdy. The atmosphere is full of energy. Plus the women won on a buzzer beater which was so exciting. read more

This place is a throwback from yesteryear. I saw my first game here this season as a new resident and this venue is awesome. You are right on top of the action and it has an energy that is hard to describe. Although not a lot of champion banners it is an arena that makes Minnesotans proud! read more

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Love the intimacy of this arena, especially for a basketball game. The concessions and restrooms take forever though.

Mannnn, this college arena is WAY cooler than my undergrad's little D3 "arena" (stinky gym). This venue is full of sports and lacking in alcohol, and I STILL had a 5 star experience... That says it all right there. A game at "The Barn" is clean, full of energy, bright, and entertaining. I hear the floor is raised for the audience's eyes and has a little bounce for the player's knees. There's great lighting, though not blinding, and the colorful displays and prompts help keep the crowd energized. Throughout the last game I went to (Gophers v Cornhuskers), there were several giveaways to random seats, like Cub gift cards and Oscar Meyer hot dogs for a whole row! The people-watching is fabulous (especially all the students' farm animal onesies and weird signs), and the half time shows are impressive and endearing. Food and drink-wise... again, there's no alcohol, and of course all concession sales are inflated. A box of popcorn will cost ya $6 but it will feed 3 (or just me). Oh, and the nearest lot is the 4th St Ramp, which I believe is $10 on game nights. read more

This is a great place for sporting events! I come here for the University of Minnesota Men's Basketball games. Super easy to get into the stadium. Very fast and efficient. They is some parking lots and ramps around the area, so you will have to walk a little to the stadium, but it is super close! There are great food options here at Williams Arena. No matter what mood your in, there truly are a lot of options. I had a pulled pork sandwich from Famous Daves and it was awesome. The prices are a little over priced but that should be expected from any sporting events. The seats aren't too bad. There isn't a whole lot of space, but enough where you aren't intruding on your neighbors space. Good location for a game! Good food options and parking options. read more

Williams Arena - Stadiums & Arenas Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

I simply love Williams Arena! Heck... I'm a Gopher and have been attending games here for ever. Yesterday was the first time I have actually really checked out the food options and decided to walk full circle. I don't think I have consumed anything but a ordinary hotdog , soda or a bowl of peppermint ice cream here in over forty years. So... here goes my culinary report . They sell a Barn Yard Dog. They say it comes with a bun, a dog , bacon bits, crumbled chips, and ketchup and mustard. That's Six ingredients ... right? Ok. I get to my seat. My dog has no mustard or ketchup on it. I'm pissed. I go back and say"hey-you missed a few ingredients" and the "maybe volunteer " behind the counter says and points across the way and says " it's over there" I said it should be " right here on my dog" she says " we don't have any" and I said " there isn't any left over there either" she said" you will need to walk around the Arena and find some. What?! Can we not calculate how much mustard and ketchup we need when selling hot dogs? Really?! Who do I need to talk to? We pay way too much for Gopher tickets and you can't supply stupid ketchup and mustard? read more

Williams Arena (or "The Barn" if you're in the know) holds a special place in my heart since I've been going to watch Gopher games since I could walk. Some quick tips: * No liquor or beer sales. At all. Ever. I know, it makes me sad too. * The floor is raised giving you a really unique viewing experience. To me, it feels like you're really "in the game". I mean, as much as you can be from your seat. * The ceiling is like open rafters. Hence, the nickname. * It gets loud, even with our Minnesota niceness. * The food sucks here. Sorry. But you're not here to eat, so don't worry about that. * Even if you're not sitting in the rafter seats, sneak up there and walk around. It's a really unique upper-deck. GO GOPHERS!!! read more

Great classic college sports venue! It was my first time at the Barn and I loved the experience.. I guess it has be remolded a bunch since the 80's when my dad was last here but it still kept the retro charm with all the modern things you love about a great basketball arena. The game was blow out, home team Minnesota Gophers had control the whole time, so it was fun to see a win for the home team and get that magic feeling like your a kid again walking into a legendary place for the first time.. I hope they keep the Barn a long time.. read more

Go Gophers. A dud opponent (New Orleans) almost dragged us down but The Barn as wonderful as my memories from 25 years ago. A really nice sports viewing experience -as long as your view is not obstructed. You can almost feel the history. A special word of disdain for "Famous" Dave's- They have some nerve serving up small room temperature sandwiches for $7.00 a pop. We got there with 10 minutes left in the first half and they were already out of chicken. Not even a pickle spear served with it. Add a side order of beans-about 1/3 of a cup -$2.00 and miniature bag of chips $1.75 and you have third rate $11.00 meal. Vending at the U should showcase the food and service at your restaurants, not be a captive audience arena price and profit gouge. F.D. - I know you can do better than that. read more

It's tough to be a Badger in Gopher territory! But now that I live in Minnesota, I can cheer for both, right? I came here on a Wednesday night for the Badger vs. Gopher men's basketball game. It was fun to see all of the die hard Gopher fans. The building is a bit older but I kind of liked that. Had a classic feel to it. We were seated about as far up as you could go, which meant bleacher seats. Luckily, we had a wall behind us which allowed me to rest my back. Not a huge fan of bleacher seating otherwise. The lower section has regular seats so I would suggest splurging for those. The energy in the arena is really fun. They had entertainment for every time out. Even from the tippy top, we could see everything just fine. Have no fear, there are plenty of options for food and drinks here. I noticed paninis, popcorn, hot dogs, sandwiches, BEER! Of course there are better, newer arenas out there, but this place has history and is great for some college basketball! read more

The Barn was fun for my first ever college basketball game! I had fun! I wish the student section would be a little bit more louder. My high school is louder than this. But anyways this Andre Hollins kid they have a pretty good! Great arena to come watch a basketball game! read more

Williams Arena - Neat arena! - Stadiums & Arenas Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

Great arena to watch the Gophers. While there are some seats with obstructed views, they are few and far between. Good food options as well; Famous Dave's, Subway & Kemp's Ice Cream. read more

This is one of the worst arenas I've been to in my entire life. The bathrooms are questionable. The concession stands are highly under staffed. The place is basically a maze and it is cheap and was made in like the 80s. The whole building is old. The only good thing about the arena was that there were parking garages near the arena. We came in the winter and boy was it hot in this arena. Hope I never have to come back here again. read more

This is the worst arena I've ever been to. Here for big ten wrestling... Bleacher seats for 6-7 hours today and the same tomorrow. Barriers blocking the mats... Concession stand running out of food and being understaffed... Never again read more

I'm one of the nostalgic ones who is in love with "the barn". When the Barn gets rocking it's wonderful venue. The elevated floors help you feel close to the action. I've sat just about every in there, lower deck, upper deck, even in a suite once. I hope if they keep the barn and work to upgrade it rather than replace it. read more