The second concurrent Twins and Vikings games will bring big crowds to downtown Minneapolis the afternoon of Sunday, Sept. 19. As many as 100,000 people could fill Target Field and Mall of America Field at the H.H.H. Metrodome, so it’s important that folks plan ahead and explore their transportation options. The City of Minneapolis, Metro Transit, the Minnesota Twins, the Minnesota Vikings, and many other partners are working together to mitigate traffic congestion as much as possible and to spread the word to people who are coming Downtown the afternoon of Sept. 19 so they can plan ahead.

Events on Sept. 19:

• Vikings game vs. the Miami Dolphins – Noon at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome – Doors open at 10 a.m.
• Twins game vs. the Oakland A's – 1:10 p.m. at Target Field – Gates open at 11:30 a.m.

Getting where you’re going

Downtown is an urban setting that provides transportation opportunities to meet everyone’s desired experience, whether you want to drive, ride a bus, take a train, or bike or walk.

When visiting Downtown, Target Field, Target Center, or the Metrodome, there are four tips people should remember to minimize delays and maximize their enjoyment of all the activities happening Downtown.

1. Plan ahead – Visit DestinationTargetField.com, vikings.com, or targetcenter.com to learn more about all your transportation choices.
2. Know your parking options – There is parking availability throughout Downtown. If you prefer convenient access to Target Field and Target Center, the adjacent A,B,C, and Hawthorne ramps have plenty of capacity. The eastern side of Downtown near the Metrodome has many ramps and surface parking lots.
3. Consider transit – Although Target Field, Target Center, and the Metrodome are extremely transit -friendly facilities, for Sept. 19 games, fans using transit should start their trips early, expect full buses and trains, anticipate delays and be patient.
4. Bicycles are another great way to the games – Bicyclists are reminded to use headlights and taillights after dark and, if possible, to wear light or reflective clothing.
5. Come early/Stay late – Take part in activities, shopping, dining, and other entertainment before and after games and concerts. Enjoy the extra time to experience all Downtown has to offer, and avoid transportation delays.

Managing traffic

The City of Minneapolis takes a number of steps to manage traffic during dual events. The volume of pedestrians, bikes, and cars Downtown before and after these events means increased traffic, but there are several ways the City works to improve operations and minimize congestion, including:

• Traffic control agents are at many Downtown intersections during peak times before and after the events. Traffic control agents at intersections are key to maintaining traffic flow and improving pedestrian safety when traffic volumes are high.
• Special traffic signal timing patterns are used to move high numbers of vehicles during events.
• Dynamic messaging signs throughout Downtown provide drivers with real-time information as they move around the area. There are currently more than 50 of these signs Downtown, which are used to direct people to parking, to notify drivers when key parking ramps fill, and to help drivers find their way around.

Making event days a great experience

Many City departments, the Minnesota Twins, Minnesota Ballpark Authority, Target Center, the Minnesota Vikings, the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, the Minnesota Department of Transportation, Hennepin County, Metro Transit, ABC Ramps, the Warehouse District Business Association, and others are all taking steps to make event days in Downtown success. To help fans plan ahead and make the most of their experience Downtown, these partners have collaborated to createDestinationTargetField.com on the Minnesota Twins Web site. The site helps folks explore all their options for getting to Downtown events, whether it’s by car, on a bus or train, or by biking or walking