Going to Vikings game: Where do I stay? (Minneapolis, Duluth: hotels, university)

[DLHROCKS]

I'm going to a Vikings Monday Night Football game. Well, the game will proabably get over at 10:45-11:00 and I don't feel like driving a few hours after that... So where do I stay Monday night? I would love to stay in Minneapolis but I don't want to pay excessive parking to stay in Minneapolis. I could stay near MOA and take the light rail to and from the game. But, since I will be heading back to Duluth, maybe a hotel on the way back.

Do hotels in downtown Minneapolis have free parking for staying?
How is the light rail on Vikings game days?

[Oildog]

The hotel in 7 corners or the Radisson University are close

[MN55]

If you don't mind staying a ways away from the Metrodome you could stay in the Holiday Inn Suites in Vadnais Heights or the American Inn in White Bear Lake which are both right off 35E and would give you a straight shot up to Duluth the next day. You could also look for something in one of the north suburbs off of 35W. Parking would be free and some chain hotel in the burbs as probably as cheap as you're gonna get.

[Ghengis]

I would think the parking rates for downtown hotels vary depending on the arrangements with the nearby parking ramps. The Crowne plaza on 7th Street and 2nd Avenue has a reduced rate ($10 - $12) with the attached ramp and is a 10 - 15 minute walk away. Believe the hotel (Marquette) in the IDS Center also has an arrangement with their ramp. I would guess the Radisson in 7-corners has their own ramp and is within walking distance.

[Kid Cann]

Originally Posted by Oildog

The hotel in 7 corners or the Radisson University are close

I usually stay at the Radisson University. Good choice. Close, clean affordable.

[Thegonagle]

I don't think the Radisson University has free parking, nor does the hotel in 7 corners (the Holiday Inn Metrodome), although the HIMD is a great location--you could pay for parking at the hotel, then walk to the game. (Rather than paying to park in a lot for the game.)

The Mall of America is on the opposite side of town from where you'll be coming from/headed to (add 15-30 minutes each way depending on time of day/traffic), but if you don't mind that and the standing-room-only train ride after the game, that's a decent plan.

The Ramada on Industrial Blvd NE and 35W is on the right side of town, and would get you right on the way in the morning, with little to no traffic issues. The Radisson in Roseville (the Rosedale Mall area) is another one to consider.

[Kid Cann]

Originally Posted by Thegonagle

I don't think the Radisson University has free parking, nor does the hotel in 7 corners (the Holiday Inn Metrodome), although the HIMD is a great location--you could pay for parking at the hotel, then walk to the game. (Rather than paying to park in a lot for the game.)

The Mall of America is on the opposite side of town from where you'll be coming from/headed to (add 15-30 minutes each way depending on time of day/traffic), but if you don't mind that and the standing-room-only train ride after the game, that's a decent plan.

The Ramada on Industrial Blvd NE and 35W is on the right side of town, and would get you right on the way in the morning, with little to no traffic issues. The Radisson in Roseville (the Rosedale Mall area) is another one to consider.

I've never paid to park at the Radisson. Or if I have I just don't remember. Maybe like $7, big deal I make it rain.