Frozen Four: Minneapolis Info

[Gibber]

So I decided to fly out next week and check out the Frozen Four.. obviously I'm hoping that UNH makes it, but either way, it should be a good tournament. I'm wondering mostly about the transportation situation in and around the TC area... I'm flying in Thursday morning, with my arrival looking like 10:30am... I'm hoping to get over to the arena for at least some of the practices (esp if UNH is there)...
Is there any way to get from the airport to the arena? (I have no concept of the distance between the two... and I have no idea yet where I'm staying)

I thought this could be a good place to discuss the area for those visiting for the weekend.

[dave1381]

Some hotels have complimentary shuttles, I think... But usually what I've done is just taken a shared shuttle, which I recall was only $10-15 per person. I think it only required a little more waiting than a cab would have.

[Brian Schulz]

FYI, it will cost you about $30 to just cab from airport to rink.

[lordsontheboards]

How far is the Rink From the Airport? I am assuming that the Teams will be staying in and around the Airport. Does anyone have any info on this?

[dave1381]

Teams will stay closer to the rink, not the airport, naturally. There are several hotels that are fairly close to the rink. The Radison Metrodome, which is hosting the Kazmaier dinner, is the closest. For WCHAs the last couple years they've been putting teams in different hotels, I think. Not sure if they would continue that for the Frozen Four. Certainly at least one team is staying in the Radison... at least two were there in 2001 (or was it all four?).

[Brian Schulz]

Radisson is the nice hotel in walking distance. There's also a serviceable Days Inn on University Ave SE that is cheap and within walking distance but no airport shuttle. One problem to consider is that NCAA basketball regions are also in Minneapolis next weekend.

[wingsdad11]

Checked already on the Days Inn University Ave... booked! I'll be flying out on Friday 3-24 ... I calculated about 9.4 miles (20 min.) from MSP Airport to the Mariucci Arena. As previouly mentioned some hotels offer free shuttle service from the airport, or taxi, rental car … public transit (bus) for $2.00 … takes 36-44 minutes using this mode of transportation ... still working on the hotel situation. :(
.

[ARM]

What works best will vary for everyone based on how many in their traveling party, plans for Saturday, etc. I'd recommend staying somewhere other than in Minneapolis itself. With the NCAA basketball regional in town, those already higher rooms will have a higher demand. Boys state HS basketball tournament will also be held that weekend. I'd also avoid the hotels closest to the airport, because easy access to MSP plus the Mall of America traffic drives up their rates. If it were me, I'd look into staying across the river from the airport (maybe start looking in the Eagan area.) If you are staying for 3 nights, you can probably save enough to pay for a car rental.

[wingsdad11]

Found a hotel chain 5.9 miles from the arena (about 6 minutes) and 15.2 miles (27 minutes) from the airport, $53.00 per night without taxes…nothing fancy! Anyone who is interested can send me an email for details… can always cancel the reservations if you find something better or closer! ;)

[Brian Schulz]

You can also pick a general area and Priceline the room, my usual tactic when I need a hotel for GOTW. http://www.biddingfortravel.com can help you see what other people have put in as successful bids for various hotels. Of course, you might want to wait until next week for that in case your team does not make it through.

[taz91]

Following along ARM's thought, you could also check Roseville which is about 10 to 15 minutes from the arena. They have a lot of hotels and restaurants in the area along with Rosedale Mall.

[fantasticfrito]

You can also pick a general area and Priceline the room, my usual tactic when I need a hotel for GOTW. http://www.biddingfortravel.com can help you see what other people have put in as successful bids for various hotels. Of course, you might want to wait until next week for that in case your team does not make it through.

Priceline is a great way to go. I know when parents come down to watch games they usually go this route and save some bucks. I once stayed at the Madison Hilton for $45/night :D

[binnyrus]

Probably shouldn't get into food, but . . . if you like or are at all interested in Vietnamese food . . . the Lotus restaurant is like a 2 block walk from Mariucci - by Bruegger's bagels (actually across the cross street). I've never had a bad meal there, and they do have BY FAR the best egg rolls you could want. Crispy but not at all greasy - the peanut dipping sauce is also out of this world. Extremely reasonably priced - even cheap - and more than you could eat by yourself.

I hope UMD makes it just so I can go there again . . . :D

[gojackets]

You might want to check into renting a car. I had to go to Kansas last fall...and I went on Priceline and was able to rent a car for 6 bucks a day.

I just did a quick search and they are about 15-17 bucks a day for a midsize, unlimited miles...if you named your own price u might be able to get it down to 12 or so. You might also have to be over 25 or pay a fee.

[gano]

Following along ARM's thought, you could also check Roseville which is about 10 to 15 minutes from the arena. They have a lot of hotels and restaurants in the area along with Rosedale Mall.

I would have to agree with Roseville, there are several there with good restraunts close by and it's an easy drive to the rink.

[xk1]

One should factor in $9 for parking as well.

[kalehr]

One should factor in $9 for parking as well.
That's if you want to park in one of the ramps or nearby lots. If not, you can pretty easily find off street parking in the Dinkytown area, which is full of good restaurants and all of a 5-minute walk from the arena.

Radisson Metrodome and the Holiday Inn Metrodome are two of the more upscale (but reasonably priced) hotels on/near campus where teams have stayed in the past. The Radisson is all of 1-2 blocks away from the arena, whereas the Holiday Inn is on the West Bank part of campus. The Holiday Inn has a shuttle to and from Ridder, so if you stay there, you won't have any trouble getting to and from the arena. However, if you rent a car or drive, I think you have to pay a daily fee for parking if you stay at the Holiday Inn. The Radisson does not charge guests to park in their lot.

As far as restaurants go, some of the better ones in the Dinkytown area include Vescio's (very good Italian food) and Loring Pasta Bar (very good pasta and other food). Annie's is a good burger joint, Burrito Loco is similar to Chipotle, only better IMHO. If you want to go down Washington Ave (also a short walk to the arena), some of the better chain establishments include Chipotle, Noodles and Applebee's. Stub & Herb's and Sally's are two of the more popular pre-game watering holes. And Campus Pizza is always a good bet for an after game gathering.

[UNHKazooMonkey]

last time I was in Minnesota for a Frozen Four everything seemed to close around 4. Is this still the case or have things gotten better recently?

We stayed at the Golden Valley Holiday Inn (Express?) last time but we are by the airport this year.

[thebrain]

One thing you may want to consider, a place off the Light Rail. You can take the Light Rail to downtown, but not to the university yet. The Light Rail goes from the Mall of America, through the airport, to just outside of Target Center. Roseville is good, there's a Motel 6, Radisson, and a Comfort Inn. I work near the U and can help you with anything you'd need to know. Don't forget about the Best Western Normandy Inn right next to Metrodome the Holiday Inn Express downtown, or the Days Inn on University Ave. in St. Paul off Fairview.

[gano]

I should also mention there is a Holiday Inn Express in St. Paul on Energy Park Drive. That's a fairly short drive. Not very close to any restaurants though.