The short version: UCLA is 8-0 and No. 5. Minnesota is 5-3. It’s an 11 AM local kickoff in Minneapolis, and UCLA is chasing a perfect season.

Game info
When	Sat, Nov. 7, 12:00 PM ET
TV	FOX
Where	Huntington Bank Stadium, Minneapolis

Part 1: Watching at Home

How to watch

Kickoff is Sat, Nov. 7, 12:00 PM ET on FOX.

The storyline

UCLA has won with defense, allowing 260.8 yards a game (7th in FBS), and with the run game at 219.5 yards a game. Minnesota won the last meeting 21-17 in 2024 and leads the series 3-1. The opening line had UCLA by 6.5.

Key players

Team	Player	Season so far
UCLA	QB Nico Iamaleava	982 pass yards
UCLA	WR Semaj Morgan	team’s top receiver
MINN	QB Drake Lindsey	1,592 pass yards
MINN	RB TJ Thomas	379 rush yards
MINN	WR Javon Tracy	460 rec. yards

Season stats as of Nov. 1 from AP, ESPN and official team pages.

What to watch for

• UCLA’s run game against Minnesota’s defense. The Bruins rely on the run.
• Lindsey’s arm. Minnesota’s run game averages only about 100 yards, so the passing game has to carry the offense.
• An early kickoff. A West Coast team playing at 9 AM body-clock time.

Watch-party menu

• Noon ET brunch: breakfast sandwiches and hash brown casserole.
• Minnesota touch: tater tot hotdish in a slow cooker.
• Bruins side: fish tacos or a California-style avocado toast bar.

Hosting a watch party? A slow cooker keeps the main dish warm all game, and party platters make serving easy. Keep drinks cold in a cooler so nobody misses a play. Hang a Minnesota Gophers flag or an UCLA Bruins flag for the house divided, and a soundbar helps you hear the crowd.

Part 2: Traveling to the Game

Gates and entry

Gates A–E and Steele County open 90 minutes before kickoff. Main gates use Open Gate walk-through screening.

Bag policy

• Clear plastic, vinyl or tote bag up to 12 x 6 x 12 inches.
• Plus a one-gallon clear bag and/or a small bag up to 4.5 x 6.5 inches.

Parking and tailgating

• Tailgate lots open 6 hours before kickoff, but no earlier than 7 AM on weekends. For an 11 AM CT kickoff, that means 7 AM.
• Tailgating ends 4 hours after the game or at midnight, whichever comes first.
• Lots 33 and 37 are designated tailgate lots. Check the official FAQ for the full lot list.

Where to eat and stay

Hotels near the University of Minnesota campus and in downtown Minneapolis are both close, and light rail connects them to campus.

Weather

Early November in Minneapolis can be cold, so bring a hat, gloves and a blanket. Check the National Weather Service forecast the day before.

Rules can change. Check the official athletics site during game week.

What to pack

Driving in? A phone mount and a car charger keep the directions running, and car games for kids help on a long drive. Flying in? A neck pillow helps on the flight, and a packable rain poncho fits in a pocket.

At the stadium: Pack a clear stadium bag that fits the 12 x 6 x 12 limit. Bring a seat cushion for the bleachers and a portable power bank so your phone ticket doesn’t die. It gets cold, so pack hand warmers and a stadium blanket.

Tailgating: Set up a 10×10 canopy (most lots cap tents at that size), some folding chairs and a cornhole set. Where the rules allow it, a portable propane grill takes care of lunch. Rep your team with Minnesota Gophers gear or UCLA Bruins gear.

Places near the stadium

Where to eat

• Al’s Breakfast: A 14-seat Dinkytown breakfast counter that’s been open since 1950.

Where to stay

• Graduate by Hilton Minneapolis: On campus, about 0.3 miles from the stadium.

We checked that these places exist and have working official websites as of Nov. 2, 2026. Hours change on game weekends, so check before you go. These are not paid or affiliate links.

Game Day Gear

Affiliate disclosure

Sources: Gophers gameday FAQ, UMN tailgating rules, Minnesota game center, UCLA schedule, AP preview. Ranks from the AP Top 25 released Nov. 1, 2026. Times ET.

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