The Minnesota Golden Gophers football team represents the University of Minnesota in college football at the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision level. Founded in 1882, the Golden Gophers have been members of the Big Ten Conference since its inception in 1896. The team plays home games at Huntington Bank Stadium situated in Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States.
The Golden Gophers have a proud history, claiming seven national championships and 18 conference titles. The team is coached by P. J. Fleck, who has been with the program since 2017. The Gophers' colors are maroon and gold, and their mascot is Goldy Gopher.
Minnesota Football Stadium's capacity
The Huntington Bank Stadium, home to the Minnesota Golden Gophers, has a seating capacity of 50,805, as of 2024. This stadium, located on the University of Minnesota's campus in Minneapolis, opened on September 12, 2009, and offers a lively atmosphere for fans with its modern amenities, luxury suites, and premium seating.
Minnesota Football Stadium history and construction costs
Huntington Bank Stadium, formerly known as TCF Bank Stadium, is located on the University of Minnesota's campus in Minneapolis. The stadium opened on September 12, 2009, after three years of construction. It was designed to replace the aging Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome and to provide a modern, on-campus home for the Golden Gophers.
The stadium has a seating capacity of 50,805 and features a horseshoe design. It was constructed for $303.3 million (approximately $431 million in 2023 dollars). The stadium also boasts one of the largest video boards in the nation and the largest home locker room in college or professional football.
Minnesota Football Stadium design
Huntington Bank Stadium, formerly known as TCF Bank Stadium, was designed by the architectural firm Populous (formerly HOK Sport) and Architectural Alliance. The stadium features a horseshoe design and was constructed with the potential for future expansion to seat up to 80,000 spectators. The stadium's construction began on September 30, 2006, and it officially opened on September 12, 2009.
The stadium boasts several features:
FieldTurf Revolution: The playing surface is made of FieldTurf Revolution, providing a high-quality playing field.
Video Board: One of the largest video boards in the nation, offering fans an enhanced viewing experience.
Home Locker Room: The largest home locker room in college or professional football.
Sustainability: The design incorporates sustainable elements, such as energy-efficient lighting and water conservation systems.
Minnesota Football Stadium expansion
Huntington Bank Stadium was designed with future expansion in mind. The stadium, which seats 50,805 fans, has the potential to expand to accommodate up to 80,000 spectators. This expansion capability ensures that the stadium can grow alongside the increasing popularity and success of the Minnesota Golden Gophers football team.
The additional seats would be constructed above the second deck, extending from the press boxes to the northwest end of the venue and wrapping around the remainder of the horseshoe. The University of Minnesota has the flexibility to add all 30,000 seats at once or in smaller increments of 10,000 seats, depending on the demand.
Huntington Bank Stadium's highest attendance
The season's highest attendance recorded at Huntington Bank Stadium was 54,147 on September 3, 2015, during the season-opener against TCU. The highest attendance recorded at Huntington Bank Stadium was 54,147 on September 3, 2015, during the season-opener against TCU. The second highest attendance was 53,756 on November 30, 2019, during the game against the Wisconsin Badgers.
FAQs on Minnesota Golden Gophers
A. The Minnesota Golden Gophers play their home games at Huntington Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
A. The Minnesota Golden Gophers team was founded in 1882.
A. The Golden Gophers have won seven national championships in the years 1904, 1934, 1935, 1936, 1940, 1941, and 1960.
A. The mascot of the Minnesota Golden Gophers is Goldy Gopher.
