Minneapolis Convention Center Parking, Floor Plans & Event Map
The Minneapolis Convention Center is easy to reach, but it is not a small building. Your best parking ramp, entrance, skyway route and room level depend on whether you are attending a public show, exhibiting, planning a meeting or visiting the auditorium.
This guide gives you the useful details first: exact address, official parking ramps, room sizes, hall capacities, floor-plan links, accessibility notes, map directions and practical local tips before you enter downtown traffic.
Accessibility support is also listed through TDD 612-335-6500. Event-specific doors, hours, security rules and room assignments can change by organizer.
Pick Your Visitor Path
Do not read this page like a brochure. Pick the action that matches your visit and use the official links in that section.
Parking Near the Minneapolis Convention Center
The official MCC parking page lists the 3rd Ave Parking Ramp plus four partner City of Minneapolis ramps within two blocks and connected through the skyway system. Rates can change by event, so use official pages or parking apps before arrival.
| Parking option | Address | Use it when… | Check before arriving |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3rd Ave Parking Ramp | 1401 3rd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55404 | You want the MCC-owned ramp listed as the main official parking option. | Event rate, ramp entrance, pre-booking option and walking route. |
| Plaza Parking Ramp | 117 S. 12th St., Minneapolis, MN 55403 | You want a close underground option across from the building with skyway access. | Height restriction, entrance on 12th Street, no in/out access and event rate. |
| 11th & Marquette Ramp | 1111 Marquette Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403 | You need a nearby backup ramp connected through the downtown system. | Skyway hours, route after dark and current event pricing. |
| 11th Underground Ramp | 1030 2nd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55403 | You want a close ramp near 2nd Avenue South. | Clearance, entry route and exit flow after large events. |
| Leamington Ramp | 1001 2nd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55403 | You are approaching from downtown hotels or north-side blocks. | Walking route, skyway access and whether your event entrance is nearby. |
Parking micro-steps
Find your event room first
Your closest ramp depends on whether your event uses an exhibit hall, ballroom, auditorium or meeting-room area.
Choose reserve or pay-station parking
The official parking page points visitors to app-based reservation options where available or MPLS Parking pay stations after pulling a ticket.
Set GPS to the ramp, not just the venue
Downtown driving is easier when your map goes directly to 1401 3rd Ave S, 117 S. 12th St. or the specific ramp you chose.
Local parking tips
- Save your ramp name, level and stairwell after parking.
- Use skyway-connected ramps during snow, rain or extreme cold.
- Check height limits if driving a truck, van or roof-box vehicle.
- Do not leave laptops, bags or valuables visible in the car.
- Leave early for graduations, expos, sports weekends and big theatre nights.
- Wait 10-15 minutes after a packed event if ramp exits are backed up.
Rooms, Exhibit Halls, Ballroom and Auditorium
The official floor-plan PDF is the best source for capacity-sensitive planning. Use this quick table to understand the main spaces, then open the official floor-plan page for the final layout.
| Space | Official detail | Best for | Confirm before booking/arriving |
|---|---|---|---|
| Halls B-E combined | 376,200 sq. ft.; 300 ft. x 1,254 ft.; up to 2,090 10×10 booths listed. | Large expos, conventions and trade shows. | Move-in entrance, registration lobby, hall split and freight schedule. |
| Hall B | 99,000 sq. ft.; 300 ft. x 330 ft.; 30-85 ft. ceiling; 554 booths listed. | Large single-hall shows or exhibits. | Whether your event also uses Hall C, D or E. |
| Hall C | 99,000 sq. ft.; 300 ft. x 330 ft.; 554 booths listed. | Trade shows and vendor layouts. | Closest entrance, hall signage and loading plan. |
| Hall D | 79,200 sq. ft.; 240 ft. x 330 ft.; 440 booths listed. | Mid-large hall events or connected show floors. | Registration location and connection to neighboring halls. |
| Hall E | 99,000 sq. ft.; 300 ft. x 330 ft.; 554 booths listed. | Large exhibits and flexible floor setups. | Parking side, first-aid/restroom location and attendee entry route. |
| Ballroom A-B | 27,522 sq. ft.; 139 ft. x 198 ft.; 30 ft. ceiling; 3,101 theater capacity listed. | General sessions, banquets, galas and receptions. | Seating layout, stage, catering and ballroom lobby use. |
| Auditorium Full | 3,433 fixed seats; Main + Rooms 1, 2 and 3. | Keynotes, performances, staged programs and large presentations. | Ticketing, accessible seating, entrance and late-arrival rules. |
How to Read the Official Floor Plan
The Level One map matters because most major spaces sit on this level: Exhibit Halls B-E, Ballroom A/B, meeting rooms 101-103 and the Auditorium. The map also shows restrooms, elevators, escalators, ATMs, first aid, emergency exits, parking connections and skyway links.
Floor-plan micro-steps
Read the room code exactly
Room codes such as Hall C, Ballroom A, Auditorium Room 2, 101A-J or 200A-J tell you where to go. Do not rely only on the event name.
Match the level
Level One includes the largest spaces. Level Two contains many 200-level meeting rooms and pre-function areas.
Use the correct setup PDF
Rounds, classroom and theater layouts can change capacity. Planners should download the layout that matches the event style.
Check the lobby, not just the room
Registration, badge pickup, coat check, sponsor booths and attendee lines often use lobby or pre-function spaces near the room.
Attendee Checklist for Public Events
Most attendee problems happen before entering the building: wrong ramp, wrong entrance, missing ticket, unclear room, or not enough time for downtown traffic.
Before you leave home
- Event date and start time.
- Hall, ballroom, auditorium or meeting-room code.
- Ticket, QR code, badge email or registration confirmation.
- Bag policy, check-in time and prohibited items.
- Chosen ramp address and payment method.
- Skyway route if weather is bad.
- Accessible seating or drop-off needs.
- Phone battery and screenshot of ticket.
What visitors often miss
When the event organizer sends a show guide, use that first for event-specific rules; use MCC pages for venue, parking, floor plans and accessibility.
Exhibitor and Planner Notes from the Official PDF
Exhibitors and planners need different information than attendees. The official PDF includes freight access, utilities, room features, lighting and event-space details that should be checked before move-in.
Freight and loading details to confirm
- 36 covered loading bays are listed in the PDF.
- Eight drive-in doors are listed for freight access.
- The truck marshaling area behind the building is listed as 88,000 sq. ft.
- Exhibit hall utilities include floor boxes on 30-foot centers.
- Cold water and drains are available in select locations on 90-foot centers.
- Electrical service includes 120V, 208V and 480V service with varying amperage.
Questions exhibitors should ask
- Which hall and booth number are assigned?
- Which load-in door or marshaling process applies?
- When is freight move-in and move-out?
- Do you need electrical, internet, water, drains or compressed air?
- Is floor protection or vehicle approval required?
- Where is exhibitor registration?
- Which vendor handles booth services?
- Does the event manual override general venue notes?
Map, Drop-Off, Transit and Skyway
Driving directions from the official page repeatedly bring visitors toward 11th or 12th Street and 2nd Avenue South. The Plaza Parking Ramp is near the building, and another parking option is available on 3rd Avenue South.
Arrival basics
- Venue address: 1301 Second Avenue South.
- Drop-off and pick-up locations are in front of the building on 2nd Avenue South.
- Bike racks are located near building entrances.
- Metro Transit can help with bus and light rail routes.
- Free Ride buses operate on selected Nicollet Mall routes.
- Skyway routes can help during winter, rain and extreme weather.
Driving Route Cheat Sheet
The official directions page gives multiple routes. These simplified steps help visitors understand the pattern before opening navigation.
Accessibility and Easier Arrival
The official accessibility page lists support for mobility, vision, hearing and sensory needs. For event-specific ASL, audio or seating arrangements, check with the event organizer or contact MCC support before arriving.
Useful accessibility details
- Curbside drop-off along 2nd Avenue South.
- Automatic entrances and parking-ramp doors.
- Power-assist doors.
- Accessible elevators and restrooms.
- Wheelchair seating in event spaces.
- Service animal accommodations.
- Braille and high-contrast signage.
- Aira visual interpreting support.
Mobility rental and support notes
- Mobility equipment is available at the Visitor Information Center on Level One.
- Pre-registration is not currently available for rentals.
- Call 612-335-6040 ahead to check availability.
- Listed rental rates are $50 per day for scooters and $20 per day for wheelchairs.
- Accessible parking is available at both the 3rd Ave Ramp and Plaza Ramp.
- For size-inclusive auditorium seating, email SalesMCC@minneapolismn.gov.
Before You Leave for the MCC
Use this as a quick final check, especially for large expos, conferences, graduations, concerts or downtown winter events.
- Confirm your event room, hall, ballroom, auditorium or meeting-room code.
- Save your parking ramp address and payment method.
- Check if parking can be reserved through an app.
- Bring ticket, QR code, badge confirmation or exhibitor credential.
- Review event bag rules and prohibited items.
- Check the official floor plan if meeting someone inside.
- Use skyway-connected ramps during bad weather where possible.
- Plan extra time for downtown construction, weather and ramp exits.
- For exhibitors, verify load-in time, freight route and service orders.
- Call 612-335-6000 if venue information is unclear.
Which Official Page Should You Use?
Use the exact official source for your task. This avoids outdated third-party room maps, old parking advice and incomplete event pages.
| Need | Use this official source | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|
| Address, phone, email | Contact page | Lists main phone, TDD, email, sales, guest/security and department contacts. |
| Parking | Public Event Parking page | Lists 3rd Ave Ramp and four partner ramps within two blocks. |
| Directions and transit | Directions, Parking and Public Transportation page | Shows car routes, airport options, Metro Transit, Free Ride buses and drop-off notes. |
| Room sizes | Floor Plans page and Facts & Floor Plans PDF | Gives room dimensions, capacities, booth counts, levels and layout options. |
| Accessibility | Accessibility page | Lists drop-off, elevators, restrooms, mobility rentals, signage and sensory/access support. |
| Exhibitor setup | Event manual + official floor-plan PDF | Use for freight, loading, utilities, booth services, move-in and move-out timing. |
Local Visitor Tips for Downtown Minneapolis
These are practical event-day tips, not generic travel filler.
Pick the ramp before driving
Traffic is easier when your GPS goes to the exact ramp entrance instead of the venue front door.
Use skyway routes in bad weather
Minneapolis weather can make a short walk feel long. Choose a skyway-connected ramp when weather matters.
Do not guess the entrance
Exhibit halls, auditorium events and ballroom sessions can use different check-in points.
For planners, capacity depends on setup
Rounds, classroom and theater layouts change the usable count. Use official layout downloads before promising capacity.
For exhibitors, follow the event manual
The venue PDF helps, but your show manual controls booth services, freight timing and move-in rules.
Check skyway hours
Skyway hours can vary by building and weekend. Watch posted signs and verify routes for evening events.
Reviews and Real Visitor Friction Points
A convention-center review can be about the organizer, crowd, parking, weather, hotel route or venue staff. Read reviews by use case instead of relying on one star rating.
Parking complaints
Many parking complaints come from arriving without a ramp plan. Choose the ramp, save the address and know whether you are using skyway access.
Wayfinding complaints
The building is large. Room codes, floor levels and registration lobbies matter more than the event title.
Weather complaints
Snow, rain and wind can change the arrival experience. Indoor skyway planning can make the same event feel easier.
Best Way to Use This Guide
First identify your event room or hall, then choose parking, then open the official floor plan and accessibility page if needed. For a large downtown venue, the best visitor experience starts before you enter Minneapolis traffic.
FAQs
Where is the Minneapolis Convention Center located?
It is located at 1301 Second Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55403.
What is the Minneapolis Convention Center phone number?
The main phone number is 612-335-6000. The official contact page also lists TDD 612-335-6500 and email MCCInfo@minneapolismn.gov.
What is the best parking ramp for the Minneapolis Convention Center?
The official parking page lists 3rd Ave Parking Ramp at 1401 3rd Ave S as the MCC-owned ramp. Plaza Parking Ramp at 117 S. 12th St. is also a close skyway-connected option.
Does the Minneapolis Convention Center connect to the skyway?
Yes. The venue and nearby partner parking ramps connect through the downtown skyway system. Skyway hours can vary by building, so check posted signs for evening or weekend events.
How large are the exhibit halls?
The official floor-plan PDF lists Halls B-E combined at 376,200 sq. ft. Hall B, Hall C and Hall E are each 99,000 sq. ft., while Hall D is 79,200 sq. ft.
How large is the ballroom?
The official PDF lists Ballroom A-B at 27,522 sq. ft., with a 139 ft. x 198 ft. layout and a 30 ft. ceiling.
How many seats are in the Auditorium?
The Auditorium Full configuration is listed at 3,433 fixed seats. Auditorium Main is listed at 2,143 seats, and Auditorium Rooms 1, 2 and 3 are listed at 430 seats each.
Where is drop-off and pick-up?
The official directions page says drop-off and pick-up locations are in front of the building on 2nd Avenue South.
Is the Minneapolis Convention Center accessible?
Yes. The official accessibility page lists curbside drop-off, automatic entrances, power-assist doors, accessible elevators and restrooms, wheelchair seating, mobility rentals, braille signage, service-animal accommodations and Aira support.
Should I use a parking app or pay at the ramp?
The official parking page gives two general options: reserve through a participating parking app where available, or pull a ticket and pay at an MPLS Parking pay station.