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Golden Gophers on the go: Fly to an away game this season

  • Writer: Sun Country
    Sun Country
  • Jul 31
  • 4 min read
Person standing in airplane aisle with maroon backpack showing yellow "M" logo. Blue jeans and seat rows visible. Air travel scene.

The 2025-2026 Gopher Athletics season is upon us and its packed with can’t miss matchups both at home and across the country. This year’s road games are taking fans coast to coast and offering chances to watch the action of high-stakes rivalries in iconic arenas and bucket list stadiums. Whether you're a proud alum, a diehard fan, or just in it for the tailgate snacks, there is no better time to plan a game-day getaway.  


Gopher Football: 

Vs. California Golden Bears – Berkeley, CA 

Soak up the sunshine in the Bay Area and cheer on the Gophers as they take on the California Golden Bears at one of the most scenic stadiums in the country. Fans can fly into San Francisco International Airport, just a quick 45-minute drive to the game day vibes in Berkeley.  


✈️ Depart Minneapolis on September 12 and return on September 14

Vs. Ohio State Buckeyes – Columbus, OH 

The Horseshoe is a bucket list venue for any college football fan. Join the roar of 100,000 people as the Gophers face off against the Buckeyes in one of the Big 10’s most iconic showdowns. Touch down at Columbus International Airport, only 15 minutes from the stadium.  


✈️ Depart Minneapolis on October 3 and return on October 5 

Vs. Oregon Ducks – Eugene, OR 

Loud, fast, and famously intimidating, Autzen Stadium is home to the Oregon Ducks and will be a thrilling challenge for the Gophers. Add in the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest, and this trip is a fall football dream. Fly into Portland International Airport and soak up the scenery during the beautiful two-hour drive to Eugene.   


✈️ Depart Minneapolis on November 13 and return on November 16

Vs. Northwestern Wildcats – Chicago, IL 

Yes, that Wrigley Field. The Gophers head to the Windy City for a one-of-a-kind football matchup inside a historic baseball stadium. Between the skyline views and deep-dish pizza, this is a game weekend you’ll never forget. Land at O’Hare International Airport and get from the airport to the bleachers in just under 40 minutes.  


✈️ Depart Minneapolis on November 21 and return on November 23 

 

Gopher Volleyball: 

Vs. Vanderbilt Commodores & Lipscomb Bisons – Nashville, TN 

Join the volleyball season in Music City with two Gopher matches, one against the Vanderbilt Commodores and the second against the Lipscomb Bisons. While you're there, don’t forget to enjoy a night of live music and legendary food. Fly into Nashville International Airport just 15 minutes away from the match.  


✈️ Depart Minneapolis on September 4 or 5 and return on September 7 

Vs. Loyola Chicago Ramblers – Chicago, IL 

Gopher volleyball heads to the Windy City for a matchup against Loyola Chicago. It’s a great chance to see the team in action in an electric urban setting. Land at O’Hare International Airport, just a 40-minute drive from campus.  


✈️ Depart Minneapolis on September 18 or 19 and return on September 21 

Vs. Oregon Ducks – Eugene, OR 

A clash of powerhouse programs hits the Pacific Northwest as the Gophers face Oregon in a competitive matchup. Fly into Portland International Airport, then take in the scenery in a two-hour drive south to Eugene.  


✈️ Depart Minneapolis on October 16 and return on October 19 

Vs. Washington Huskies – Seattle, WA 

Expect a lively crowd in one of the Pac-12's most competitive arenas as the Gophers head to Seattle to take on the Huskies. Before heading back to the airport, make sure to get downtown and explore the legendary Pike Place Fish Market. Land at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, just 25 minutes from the match.  


✈️ Depart Minneapolis on October 17 and return on October 19 

Vs. Indiana Hoosiers – Bloomington, IN 

Catch the Gophers in action as they take on Indiana in a classic Big 10 competition. Game day in Bloomington brings all the college town charm in this can’t miss fall matchup. Fly into Indianapolis Internation Airport and enjoy a 75-minute fall drive to campus.  


✈️ Depart Minneapolis on October 23 and return on October 26 

Vs. Maryland Terrapins – College Park, MD 

This east coast matchup brings the Gophers to College Park to take on Maryland in another key Big 10 game. Combine your high-level volleyball weekend with a trip to the nearby D.C. area to explore historical landmarks. Travel to Baltimore/Washinton International Airport and get to campus in just 35-minutes.  


✈️ Depart Minneapolis on November 20 and return on November 23 

Vs. Rutgers Scarlet Knights – Piscataway, NJ 

Wrap up a coastal volleyball tour with a stop in New Jersey where the Gophers will take on Rutgers. Just across the river from New York, it’s the perfect mix of college volleyball and urban adventure. Fly into Newark Liberty Internation Airport, just an hour from the Rutgers campus.  


✈️ Depart Minneapolis on November 21 and return on November 24 


Gopher Men’s Basketball: 

Vs. Stanford Cardinal – Palm Desert, CA 

The Gophers head to Palm Desert for a unique matchup against Stanford, perfect for fans looking to mix courtside action with sunshine and relaxation. Stick around for a second game day against either Santa Clara or Saint Louis, still to be determined. Touch down in Palm Springs International Airport and get to Pal desert in only 25 minutes.  


✈️ Depart Minneapolis on November 26 and return on November 28 or 29 


Gopher Women’s Hockey: 

Vs. Boston University Terriers – Boston, MA 

Hockey season heads east as the Gophers take on Boston University for a two-day competition in the heart of college hockey country. While you’re in town, enjoy a seafood dinner or a stroll along the harbor. Arrive in Boston Logan International Airport and get to the rink in just 20 minutes.  


✈️ Depart Minneapolis on October 2 or 3 and return on October 5 


Gopher Men’s Hockey: 

Vs. Denver Pioneers – Denver, CO 

Two powerhouse hockey programs will collide in the Mile High City as the Gophers face off against Denver. Take in the high altitude, grab a craft brew, and enjoy one of college hockey's top-tier showdowns. Land at Denver Internation Airport about 40 minutes from the hockey energy.  


✈️ Depart Minneapolis on November 21 and return on November 24 


Get ready to “row the boat” somewhere new! Grab your maroon and gold, pick a city, and fly into Gopher sports season on the road. Find flights to away games on our Gophers Athletics page


Ready to book your game day adventure?   


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