The University of Minnesota will welcome President Barack Obama to the Twin Cities campus this Saturday afternoon. Due to anticipated rain, the event that President Obama will attend is now scheduled to take place in the University Fieldhouse, with doors opening at 12:30 p.m. CT.
The President’s visit will coincide with the Minnesota vs. Penn State football game, which kicks at 11:00 a.m. CT. Gopher Athletics is anticipating that the event will have an impact on traffic heading to and exiting from TCF Bank Stadium, with significant delays a possibility.
Though University officials are doing their best to limit potential traffic issues, Gopher Athletics is asking fans attending the game to keep the following recommendations in mind:
• Arrive early for the game. Though Gopher Athletics expects fans to experience a greater impact following the game, the potential does exist for increased pregame traffic.
• Be prepared to utilize alternate routes. Following the game, some roads may experience intermittent closures due to the presidential motorcade’s route to campus. Additionally, University Avenue is expected to close at approximately 2:30 p.m.
• Be patient. University police will do their best to expedite egress from TCF Bank Stadium.
Fans should plan to park in their normal game day location and utilize their season parking pass, with the exception of those fans who park in the Church Street Garage. The Church Street Garage will be closed for this week’s game. Individuals who hold parking passes for that location should park in the University Avenue Ramp, which will honor all Church Street Garage parking passes this week
Parking locations expected to experience the most significant impact include:
• West Bank and St. Paul Lots. Gopher Athletics expects the postgame shuttle to experience delays.
Individuals planning to attend President Obama’s event are being encouraged to park in West Bank parking facilities or on the St. Paul campus. Gopher football fans who park on the West Bank or in St. Paul are encouraged to catch the shuttle early in order to arrive at TCF Bank Stadium in time for kickoff.
Tailgating at Saturday’s game will be permitted both before and after the game under customary University of Minnesota guidelines. All tailgaters are advised to “breakdown” prior to heading into TCF Bank Stadium for the game and to store all items in a locked vehicle. Postgame tailgating will be available for up to four hours following the game.