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Attending the Stifel Loppet Cup? Make sure you take a look at the Spectator Guide.

SPECTATORS

Events

Saturday February 17 2024

Sprint Races*

10:00am – Women’s Sprint Qualification
10:30am – Men’s Sprint Qualification
12:30pm – Men’s and Women’s Sprint Final

*race times are tentative

Sunday February 18 2024

Distance Races*

10:00am

10:30am – Men’s 10K Individual Start
12:45pm – Women’s 10K Individual Start

*race times are tentative

Protect our winters climate conversation powered by xcel energy

Immediately following the races and prize ceremony

Join us for a Climate Conversation immediately following the races by the grandstands with environmentalist and author Bill McKibben!

Monday february 19 2024

Loppet Cup Citizens challenge

8:00am – 10:30am

Join us on Monday, February 19th at Theodore Wirth Park (1221 Theodore Wirth Parkway) for the Loppet Cup Citizens Challenge and test your speed in the World Cup sprint course! More details here.

Share winter Playday

10:00am – 2:00pm

Join us on Monday, February 19th at Theodore Wirth Park (1221 Theodore Wirth Parkway) from 10am – 2pm for Share Winter Playday! Fun family activities, food and more. More details here.

access your tickets

Need to view your tickets for the 2024 Loppet Cup? Log in here to access.

spectator map

Click the image to the left or the button below to view the most up to date spectator map for the 2024 Stifel Loppet Cup!

Transportation

Spectator Parking Reservations

Race schedule: When making your plans, please note that on Saturday the Sprint Qualification races begin at 10:00 am and the Sprint Finals start at 12:30 pm. On Sunday, the 10km Interval race begins at 10:30 am for the men and 12:45 pm for the women.

Getting there: The venue will be closed to all traffic during the event except official race operations, so you will not be able to park at Theodore Wirth Park. Instead, you can pick from the following nearby parking options (see map here). All of these parking options require reservations, which can be made below. PLEASE NOTE: Parking reservations are for Loppet Cup ticketholders only!

Park-and-Ride Lot: There is one park-and-ride lot available: Resideo Technologies (formerly Honeywell). Shuttles will run continuously between this lot and the venue. Shuttles will drop you off and pick you up inside the park. Because shuttle space is limited, you will be required to select a parking lot arrival time for this lot.

Park-and-Bike/Walk Lots: There are three park-and-bike/walk lots available: Anwatin School, Wirth Beach House, and Wirth Beach Boat Launch. These lots are 1-2 miles from the venue, and marshals will be present to help you bike or walk your way from the parking lot to the venue.

Park-and-Walk Lots: There are four park-and-walk lots available: Courage Kenny, U of M, Urban League 1, and Urban League 2. These lots are all approximately a 1-mile walk from the venue.

Accessibility: Accessible parking and an accessible shuttle will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. If you require accessible parking options, please email us at info@loppet.org before making your reservation online.

Public Transportation:  Metro Transit Bus Route 7 will have its last drop-off on Plymouth Ave N + Xerxes Ave N, and from there it’s a short walk into Theodore Wirth Park. You can plan your trip here and download Metro Transits FREE bus passes for Saturday 2/17 here and Sunday 2/18 here!

Ride Share InformationUber and Lyft drop off and pick up for the event will be at “Dahlberg Dr and Meadow Ln N.”.

Neighborhood Road Closures: Friday, Feb 16 at 6:00am through Monday, Feb 19 6:00pm –  Theodore Wirth Parkway is closed between Plymouth Road and HWY 55.  There is no public access to or parking at The Trailhead or the Chalet.

Friday, Feb 16 at 6:00pm through Monday, Feb 19 6:00am – Theodore Wirth Parkway will close from Golden Valley Road to Plymouth. Plymouth Avenue will close between Xerxes Ave and Theodore Wirth Parkway.

Saturday, Feb 17 and Sunday, Feb 18, 6:00am-6:00pm each day – Xerxes Ave between Plymouth Ave and N 14th Ave will be No Parking and one way traffic Northbound.

Get your Loppet Cup Gear!

Pre-Ordered Merchandise:
If you ordered Loppet Cup merchandise when you registered for tickets, you can pick it up at the official Event Merchandise Tent at the event.  You will find the tent in the Stadium Village adjacent to the Start/Finish area. Stay tuned for more pick-up options at The Trailhead prior to the event.

Official Loppet Cup Gear- New Items Available at the Event:
We will have additional merchandise options for sale at the event! Merch will be available at the event and online will open up after the event with any remaining inventory.

Want to take home a plate like the winners of the Loppet Cup? Designer and crafter of the World Cup 2024 Awards, Kate Fisher, is making a limited edition of plates similar to those presented to the winning athletes. The design of these commemorative pieces captures the spirit of Theodore Wirth Park’s nature and trails crowned by the Minneapolis skyline while echoing the branding color of the event. Available for pre-sale, all plates are handmade by Kate in her studio and will take approximately 90 days from order to arrival. 

The plates are approximately 7” x 7” x 1”. Available unwired or wired for wall hanging. $75 per plate + $10 for shipping.

sponsors and vendors

Thanks to our sponsors and vendors for making this an incredible event experience. Be sure to stop by their booths for fun activities, free swag, gear to purchase, and expert information!

There’s still time to get involved with the event! We invite you to be a sponsor or a vendor in our Stadium Village! We are happy to work with sponsors to create a custom engagement that matches your budget and meets your marketing goals. Please contact Sponsorship Director, Abby Delaney, to learn how to get involved at delaney@loppet.org.

art @ stifel loppet cup

Inspiration is everywhere at the Stifel Loppet Cup. Immerse yourself in art experiences throughout the weekend! Visit the art page to learn more and plan your experience!

Lodging +

The below hotels have reserved blocks for Loppet Cup spectators. Please use the links provided to book a room.

Downtown Hotels (~3 miles east of Wirth Park):
Royal Sonesta
Hilton Minneapolis
Hyatt Regency Minneapolis
Aloft Minneapolis
Canopy by Hilton
Four Seasons Minneapolis (20% of all bookings go back to the Loppet Foundation!)

 

St. Louis Park/Golden Valley Hotels:
AC by Marriott – Saint Louis Park
Homewood Suites – Saint Louis Park
Doubletree by Hilton Minneapolis – Park Place
Minneapolis Marriott West (St. Louis Park)
Holiday Inn Express – Golden Valley
SpringHill Suites Minneapolis West/St. Louis Park

Out of Town Visitors Guide:
Our Loppet Cup organizing committee made this handy guide to all things Minneapolis! Check out places to ski, visit and other winter activities. View the guide here.

Sauna with 612 Sauna Cooperative! Reservable sessions are available from 8am to 3pm at our member-owned, traditional sauna located in front of the Wirth Chalet.  Sessions only are available to World Cup ticket holders and limited seats are available.  Book your seat now

Spectator FAQs

I loved that General Admission tickets were free! Can I give a donation to the event?

Yes, The Loppet Foundation relies heavily on donor gifts of any amount to support this event and our year-round programming in the park.  Visit our website here to donate here.

How do I purchase tickets to the event?

General admission and grandstand tickets to the COOP FIS Cross Country World Cup – Stifel Loppet Cup are at capacity and no more will be released. VIP tickets are still available – you can purchase those here. Children under 4 do not require a ticket.

What is the schedule of events?

The venue opens at 7am on Saturday and 7:30am on Sunday and shuttles will be running continuously back to Park and Rides from the venue.  Be sure to stick around for award ceremonies and other fun activities around the venue after the races!  Please visit the schedule page of the site here. Also make sure you check out Share Winter Play Day to learn more about Monday’s community event!

What are the rules for spectators watching on the course?

Spectators will need to follow the direction of event staff.

Do not go on or across the trail, except at designated course crossings. Do not go under ropes. Do not go on the course between races. The course is off limits to spectators at all times.

Certain areas of the course are closed to spectators. Spectators must stay in designated spectating areas.

Spectator’s ability to move through course crossings will be severely restricted once races start and anytime athletes are on course for warm up or wax testing.

Will there be a spectator texting info system to get updates and important information?
How do I get there? What is the shuttle schedule?

Please visit our transportation section to find details on park and rides, shuttle schedules, and all things transportation. Shuttles will be by reservation to help reduce wait times.  Please sign up here [insert link] for an assigned shuttle.  If you’re arriving by foot, bike or ski we suggest leaving ample time to navigate through crowds to find the perfect spot to cheer. Please note that you will not be able to drive directly into the park. Consider offsetting your trip to the event by purchasing a Carbon Offset!

Can I ski or bike and leave my equipment somewhere?

Yes!  We highly encourage skiing or biking to the event.  There will be a ski check and bike check monitored by volunteers.  You can also keep a bag with your equipment if you want to change after arriving. There will be designated Park-and-Ski or bike lots (reservations for parking spots will be required). See transportation information for more details.

What can I bring?

Suggested items to bring:

  • Small bags, purses, backpacks
  • Photo ID if you plan to consume alcohol (must be 21+)
  • Water bottle (fill station located inside the Wirth Chalet)
  • Light snacks
  • Warm layers!  
  • Warm footwear with good traction 
  • Hand and foot warmers are strongly suggested
  • Flags. Wave on your team(s) with pride from the sidelines!
  • Phone battery pack

Prohibited items:

    • No outside alcohol is allowed in the venue
    • No smoking/vaping of any sort, cannabis included
    • Weapons, knives, guns
    • Drones
    • Animals or pets (except service animals)
    • Air horns or lasers of any kind (but cow bells are encouraged!)

    Although this is a stroller friendly event, please be mindful that the shuttles are school buses and will be very difficult to get a stroller on and off.  Also please be aware that this is a winter event so moving around the course is not accessible with strollers. The parking lot and paved paths will have snow removal.

    Please do not bring large or unnecessary bags on shuttle buses or into the event area.  All bags are subject to search and seizure.  Entry may be denied if items are potentially a hazard to yourself or others.  Confiscated items will be available for pick up at The Trailhead after Tuesday, February 20.

      What food/beverages and merchandise will be at the event? Is there a water fill station?

      The Stifel Loppet Cup is a no cash event, please bring a credit card for any purchases. Merchandise will be available for sale in the Stadium Village and at the Welcome tent. Water will be available for sale but we encourage you to bring your own water bottle in order to cut down on waste at the event.  Please come with water bottles filled, if you need a refill there will be a refill station in the Chalet building. Food trucks will be around the event and beer will be available for purchase, must be 21+ and show valid ID to purchase alcoholic beverages. Hot chocolate will be available to purchase from North Mallow.

      What are my options if I have a mobility impairment or use a wheelchair?

      Parts of the event are accessible and ADA friendly and we would love to accommodate your needs!  Please email us info@loppetcup.com so we can work directly with you on accessible transportation and race viewing.

      Is there any shelter to get warmed up?

      Warming space is very limited but available in the Theodore Wirth Chalet. Please note this is a small building and is not located on the race course.

      What should I wear?

      Plan to be outside for the entirety of the event! Wear warm layers and wear warm accessories: hats, socks, gloves, mittens and neckwear.

      Where should we try to watch along the course?

      View the Spectator Map here. You can enter the interior course viewing area from the east side near the Chalet and bus depot area or from under the bridge on the southside of the course next to the Trailhead building near the vendor village. There are also course crossings.

      Spectators will need to follow the direction of event staff.

      Do not go on or across the trail, except at designated course crossings. Do not go under ropes. Do not go on the course between races. The course is off limits to spectators at all times.

      Certain areas of the course are closed to spectators. Spectators must stay in designated spectating areas.

      SUNDAY MEN’S AND WOMEN’S 10K FREESTYLE

      Spectator’s ability to move through course crossings will be severely restricted once races start and anytime athletes are on course for warm up or wax testing.

      Spectators should not expect to be able to move freely from one spectating section to another if they will have to pass through the course crossing to do so.

      Large video screens showing the race will be placed in three locations – in the main stadium, by the water tank in the upper stadium and near the bus depot and the family fun zone. Please, respect any restricted areas.

      Is there a mother's room and/or space for changing and/or pumping/feeding?

      Yes, there is a private restroom that will be locked in the Chalet.  Please ask a staff member or volunteer in the Chalet if you need to use it.

      Is this a kids friendly event/ will there be any kids activities?
      Yes!  Please make sure they’re dressed appropriately for being outside for an extended amount of time.  There will be a designated Family Fun zone near the bus depot that will include the Great Clips Glitter Application Station, a photo booth, cross country simulations, North Mallow hot cocoa, Arctic Cat Snowmobiles, and more!
      Are there live results online someplace or on an app?

      Yes, download the FIS App link for live results and event details.  Make sure you turn on push notifications for the most up to date news.

      Where are the toilets located?

      Portable toilets will be located throughout the venue. They are shown on the spectator map and volunteers can guide you to the nearest one.

      Can I buy fan gear/merchandise ahead of time?

      Merchandise will be available via our online store up to about two weeks before the event.

      Where do I pick up my pre-ordered merchandise?

      Pre-ordered merchandise will be available for pickup in the main stadium village merchandise tent. Watch for signs directing you to the Merchandise Pick-Up tent.

      Are cameras allowed at the races?

      COOP FIS Cross Country World Cup owns and reserves the rights to all photography and videography of the races taking place Saturday, Feb 17 & Sunday, Feb 18.  Outside cameras will be prohibited unless presented with an official event Media accreditation.

      Which vendors will be present at the venue?

      Check out the up to date list of vendors here.

      Is there a place to charge my phone?

      No.  Best tips for keeping a phone battery alive in the winter is to pack a battery pack and use a hand warmer in your pocket with your phone.  Plan a meeting area with family and friends in case you get separated.

      What are the different races taking place?

      There will be Sprint Races on Saturday, Feb 17, and 10K races on Sunday, Feb 18.  Check out the schedule here. Check out these helpful articles on our website that outline the events and how to watch!

      Will I be able to interact with athletes?

      There will be athlete autograph signing on Monday, February 19th from 10am-11am.

      How do I watch or stream the races?

      Outside Watch is where the COOP FIS Cross Country World Cup- Stifel Loppet Cup will be streaming for free. If you want to watch the races replayed, a membership to Outside+ will be required and the races may not be available for at least a week.

      You can also watch the races at the Utepils Brewing Watch Party! Utepils will be opening early (9am) and will have the races on their big screen.

      Sustainability

      The Stifel Loppet Cup strives to have a small carbon footprint and be as sustainable as possible. We are glad to have you here and hope you will join in meeting these goals!

      If you are flying into the event, please consider purchasing carbon offsets here. The Loppet is partnering with Green Minneapolis for verified carbon credits that support planting and maintain trees in underserved communities with low tree canopy coverage.

      • Please plan to carpool, ski, bike, or use public transportation as much as possible to get to the event.
      • Please bring a refillable water bottle – we will have water refill stations at the Volunteer Check in area in the Chalet for you to use. There will also be canned water for sale around the venue.
      • No plastic bottles will be sold; please try not to bring your own plastic bottles into the venue.
      • We will have recycling and composting located next to trash around the venue. Please make use of these containers. Minneapolis and surrounding communities have strong municipal composting programs (we’ve toured the facilities!), local paper recycling facilities, and other local resources that help us ensure your recycling will be recycled and contribute to a sustainable economy.
      • All beer will be sold in reusable cups so if you enjoy a beer – please be sure to place it in the special bins to collect the cups to reuse.
      • If you are bringing your own food or snacks, please be sure to reduce, reuse, compost, and recycle.

      Thank you for helping us care for Theodore Wirth Park and reduce our footprint!

      Xcel Energy, a national leader in clean energy and sponsor of the Loppet Cup, is proud to power this year’s event with 100% renewable energy from regional wind and solar generation through its Renewable*Connect Flex program. Renewable energy supports the Loppet Foundation’s dedication to lowering emissions and promoting sustainability.

      Stifel Loppet Cup Watch Parties

      If you don’t have tickets or can’t make the trip to Minnesota, we still want you to participate and get your community fired up to watch the top skiers from around the world competing on American soil! Use the Watch Party Kit by clicking on the button below and use these resource links to host your own party!

      Register your Watch Party – register your watch party for the Stifel Loppet Cup and receive swag!
      Rock Stifel Loppet Cup Swag: show off your Stifel Loppet Cup pride with exclusive merch!
      Loppet Cup Bingo: challenge your friends and family to bingo while you watch the races! Who can see and hear the most bingo squares wins!
      How to Watch World Cup Races: this handy guide will give you the best options to watch the world cup races this season
      FIS Cross Country Ski Hub
      FIS Information Wirth Cross Country World Cup – information about the Stifel Loppet Cup races
      Navigating a World Cup Sprint Race: Learn what to expect from a World Cup Sprint Race from Jessie Diggins’ former coach!
      Navigating a World Cup Distance Race: Learn what to expect from a World Cup Distance Race from Jessie Diggins’ former coach!