Ridder Arena — Attraction in Minneapolis

Home of the storied University of Minnesota Golden Gopher women’s hockey team, Ridder Arena is an under appreciated gem on campus. With a capacity of around 3500, every seat is a good one. You’ll have great sight lines from nearly every angle. The concourse is open and has a standing-room rail encircling the rink so you’re never separated from the action. The seats vary from reserved fold-down stadium seats with arm rests to benches with backrests. The concessions are simple (and of course dreadfully overpriced) but adequate for for quick service. There are restrooms situated at each corner of the rink, so you’re always pretty close. The rink is very well lit. The sound system/PA coverage varies: you’ll hear just fine in the center sections but likely will struggle to make out penalties at either end. The color screens hanging over center ice are unspectacular but adequate for replays — it would be a welcome change if they were about 50% bigger. The pep band always brings the energy, too. We find the closer we sit to the band, the more fun we have.

The temperature always seems to be quite comfortable. I’ve been very content in a sweatshirt and ball cap, while my wife prefers to keep her coat on. The venue is exceptionally family friendly as well.

(Side note: Do be aware that, for really popular games, example: Wisconsin, they will oversell the games, and if you don’t get there early, you’ll be stuck trying to find a place on the rail, standing room only.)

We’ve enjoyed each of our many visits to Ridder Arena....

Fun place to watch a Golden Gopher Women's hockey 🏒.. Sightlines are very good. I have a beef with an usher named Peterson. I had a ticket but he wouldn't let me in. The ticket office has a black woman who didn't know how to handle my situation . They had it on the computer since I bought it online so I often get a paper 📜 ticket as a souvenir .A kind gentleman had an extra ticket to let me in . Peterson needs to understand human body language and don't appreciate him bumping me. One drawback is that all POS in Ridder only takes debit and credit cards instead of good old cash. Nevertheless, there are lots of signs and banners promoting the excellence of Golden Gopher Womem's Hockey since...

This arena is absolutely a blast to be at. We have season tickets to see the Gopher Women for hockey and absolutely love the experience here. We have both club level seats and lower level reserved seats a row behind the glass. This is a very family friendly arena and out 1 and half year old loves coming to games. The staff is always super friendly and are even starting to recognize us up in club level. I will be purchasing season tickets for many...