Which is Your Favorite MN Sports Venue?

Which Minnesota team will be the next to play a game? Will that be in the state or could it be the Twins at a neutral site? Will the next game in Minnesota be in front of fans or an empty stadium? If it is open to fans, are you willing to go? Many more questions than answers exist when it comes to the sports world, which is a small part of the overall picture during this pandemic time.

Here is another tough question. What's your favorite major Minnesota sports facility? We have some great arenas, fields, and stadiums in the state. Your answer might be tied into your favorite team and that's understandable. Maybe the choice hinges on being there for a big moment in sports history.

Many of the photos for this story are from high school events considering that's what I cover for the radio station. For instance, I have seen more high school football games (about six), home shows (two, I believe), and concerts (one, Garth Brooks) than Vikings games (zero) inside US Bank Stadium.

I have had the pleasure of working with The Legend Gordy Kosfeld on quite a few state high school boys basketball tournaments at Target Center and Williams Arena, but rarely do I go to a Timberwolves or Gophers game.

My only experience with TCF Bank Stadium is running into it and across the 50-yard line during Goldy's Run, a fundraiser for the Masonic Children's Hospital at the University of Minnesota. By the way, this year's Goldy's Run is rescheduled to August 22 for the time being.

I have to admit that I'm partial to Xcel Energy Center as a favorite due to the excitement surrounding the state high school boys hockey tournament. I have attended several Wild games and concerts there as well. I have watched events from different angles, seating high and on-the-glass. I have also had the pleasure of covering several high school state tournament games from there on the radio while pinch-hitting for a couple of stations.

I'm happy to say I made it to a match at Allianz Field in St. Paul, the newest of the Twin Cities sports venues. That was a thrill. I've been to a handful of games at CHS Field, home of the St. Paul Saints.

Target Field is a gem and a place where any seat is great for a Twins game or a concert. Additionally, I have had the chance to take batting practice, field ground balls, and shag flies in the outfield when the Twins host Affiliate Day. It has been a blast each time.