The 411 on getting to Vikings game Sunday

The Minnesota Vikings look to grab their second win of the season Sunday in a game Sunday at the Metrodome against the Carolina Panthers.

The purple gang takes to the gridiron at noon. If you are going to the game, here are a few tips:

Driving
The City of Minneapolis will block off the following streets in the vicinity of the Metrodome beginning at 10 a.m. and keep them free from traffic until 2 hours after the game ends, roughly 5 p.m:
• 5th Street between Park Avenue and 11th Avenue.
• Chicago Avenue/Kirby Puckett Place from 3rd Street to 6th Street.
• 4th Street between Park Avenue and I-35W
• Norm McGrew Place between 3rd and 4th Streets.

It's always congested around the Metrodome, so the best advice is to park well away from the stadium . Interstates 394 and 94 offer direct access to Ramps A, B and C near Target Field and Target Center. From there, walk or catch a Metro Transit bus (Route 16 on 4th Street) or light rail train on 5th Street for 50 cents from your favorite ramp or lot. A reminder that the west platform at the Target Field light-rail station is closed.

It's also cheaper there as lots closest to the dome charge $20 or more. Here are links to downtown ramps,
Here is a link to downtown Minneapolis parking meters and rates,

Handicap parking
Parking for people with a handicap is available at the Hennepin County offices between 5th and 6th Streets on Park Avenue. Handicap street parking is also available between 3rd and 4th Streets on Chicago Avenue.

Arriving by light rail
The Metro Blue Line has been a popular way for fans to get to the game. But as game time approaches, cars are packed, so the best advice is to catch an early train. Blue Line trains stop directly across the street from the Metrodome.

After the game, Metro Transit will augment Blue Line service with buses that will take riders directly to the Fort Snelling and 28th Avenue Park & Ride lots. They will until post-game crowds have disbursed.
Regular rail fare of $1.75 after applies, or buy a 6-hour rail pass and avoid having to buy a second ticket to get back home.

New this year is the Metro Red Line. Connect to the Bus Rapid Transit line at the Mall of America. It runs from there to the cities of Apple Valley and Eagan. The Minnesota Valley Transit Authority provides local service to the Cedar Grove and Apple Valley Transit Stations.

Metro Transit also will run a special Northstar Commuter train to the game. The train will leave Big Lake at 9:33 a.m. and arrive at Target Field Station at 10:22 a.m. Departure is one hour after the game ends. Here is a link to the schedule and fares.

Bus
Fans in the southwest metro can take advantage of express bus service offered by SouthWest Transit. Motor coach buses will depart from the new East Creek Station, as well as the Southwest Village Station in Chanhassen and the Eden Prairie Station. It's only $4.50 round trip.

The following Metro Transit routes serve the Metrodome:
From the north or south, Routes 5, 7, 14, 19 and 22
From the west, Routes 7 and 9
From the east, Routes 3, 16 and 94.