Attn: Everyone attending MPLS-ListenUp
This is your friendly, neighborhood me just dropping by to drop a few notes regarding the Varsity Theater show. This post, I think, will be more relevant for out-of-towners. Maybe some other MN-ites can drop some knowledge too.
I’ve gotten a lot of questions regarding the show, so here’s a mass answer. Let me know if you have more and I’ll try my best to answer them.
Where: the Varsity Theatre is in Dinkytown, a college-town neighborhood in MPLS, near the U of MN. It’s a pretty old part of town. Some businesses have been around forever. As far as I know the only “library” in that area is a bar called “The Library.” Actually, scratch that, I think there’s a real library across the street from it, but it’s not huge.
Hotels: I do believe there’s a couple hotels in the area surrounding Dinkytown, but it is a college neighborhood and it gets loud at night. Your best bet might be finding one of the more affordable hotels by the Mall of America (about 20 minutes away) or in the one of the nearby suburbs (also close).
Driving: MPLS is under construction every month that it isn’t snowing. I’m not sure what construction is or will be happening in the neighborhood next Monday, but it will most likely be happening and it will most likely impact your trip, whether driving or by parking. If you come via St. Paul, University Ave. is under construction and rush hour can be rough in the morning, afternoon, and around 3-6:30pmpm. I’m not sure about highway construction. I do know some major roadways including 1-35W (the most direct highway to Dinkytown) is under major construction. I-494 is also under construction. Please plan accordingly. For those of you familiar with the lay of the land, try the bus, but only if you’re familiar.
Parking: Most MPLS meter parking is two-hourly (at anywhere between $2-3 per hour). You also need to move you car every 4 hours. Most meters only accept quarters and dollar quarters. Some of the newer ones also accept credit card. It’s not fun. You will probably want to try a closer lot at one of the universities or churches. SERIOUSLY, don’t park in the businesses parking lots (IE: the Blockbuster if it’s still there), because they will tow your ass and it will be several hundreds dollars worth of a fine. All day parking can get expensive, but you won’t have to move your car all day. MPLS cops will tow! For lot parking, I’d put aside $10-$20. For meter parking, the same (if not more).
Eating: My favorite. Dinkytown is a college town with tons of food options. And easily walkable. It’s primary businesses are only a few blocks by a few blocks. Everything from pizza and middle eastern food to the best god-damn italian food (Vescio’s) to grocery stores for those of you who are going to be eating in line. There’s also a few burger places and many coffee shops/cafes. A couple miles away in NE MPLS is a whole slew of more “hipster-y and/or yuppy” restaurants.
Safety: I love my city and it’s not as bad as when I lived in Chicago or Detroit, but MPLS has safety issues. Keep your car locked and your alarm armed if you have one. Don’t keep nice things in your car (and definitely not tech). Keep cash on you, as well as cards (but in different pockets to trick muggers). Keep a mace/whistle on you if traveling alone, in small groups, in less-populated areas, or at night. And pay attention. ACTUALLY, these are just things you should do no matter what. As for the concert day, if you’re traveling alone, make friends with fans before the concert or the day off and see if you can kick it with them the day off.
As for the venue, I’ve not been to a concert in the Varsity in forever, but it’s pretty nice, if not college-y. Sidewalks are thin and cracked, so dress comfortable for standing, and keep the sidewalks as clear as possible for non-fan pedestrians if possible.
I hope this helps. Any other questions, just let me know!
izzy806
baratheonpilled
discoholicmusic
snowghoul
