Williams Arena

Great classic college sports venue! It was my first time at the Barn and I loved the experience. I guess it has be remolded a bunch since the 80’s when my dad was last here but it still kept the retro charm with all the modern things you love about a great basketball arena.
The game was blow out, home team Minnesota Gophers had control the whole time, so it was fun to see a win for the home team and get that magic feeling like your a kid again walking into a legendary place for the first time. I hope they keep the Barn a long time.

Go Gophers. A dud opponent (New Orleans) almost dragged us down but The Barn as wonderful as my memories from 25 years ago. A really nice sports viewing experience –as long as your view is not obstructed. You can almost feel the history.
A special word of disdain for «Famous» Dave’s– They have some nerve serving up small room temperature sandwiches for $ 7.00 a pop. We got there with 10 minutes left in the first half and they were already out of chicken. Not even a pickle spear served with it. Add a side order of beans-​about ¹⁄₃ of a cup -$ 2.00 and miniature bag of chips $ 1.75 and you have third rate $ 11.00 meal. Vending at the U should showcase the food and service at your restaurants, not be a captive audience arena price and profit gouge. F.D. — I know you can do better than that.

Williams Arena (or «The Barn» if you’re in the know) holds a special place in my heart since I’ve been going to watch Gopher games since I could walk. Some quick tips:
* No liquor or beer sales. At all. Ever. I know, it makes me sad too.
* The floor is raised giving you a really unique viewing experience. To me, it feels like you’re really «in the game». I mean, as much as you can be from your seat.
* The ceiling is like open rafters. Hence, the nickname.
* It gets loud, even with our Minnesota niceness.
* The food sucks here. Sorry. But you’re not here to eat, so don’t worry about that.
* Even if you’re not sitting in the rafter seats, sneak up there and walk around. It’s a really unique upper-​deck.
GO GOPHERS!!!

I’m one of the nostalgic ones who is in love with «the barn». When the Barn gets rocking it’s wonderful venue. The elevated floors help you feel close to the action. I’ve sat just about every in there, lower deck, upper deck, even in a suite once. I hope if they keep the barn and work to upgrade it rather than replace it.

Great arena to watch the Gophers. While there are some seats with obstructed views, they are few and far between. Good food options as well; Famous Dave’s, Subway & Kemp’s Ice Cream.