Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium: Home away from home

Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium: Home away from home Image by Nate Unger Ohio State, the eventual winners of the match against the Gophers, take to Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium to warm up on Oct. 11, 2026. Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium: Home away from home Gopher women’s soccer is based at Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium in St. Paul, isolated from the East Bank and West Bank campuses of the University of Minnesota. Categories: Marquee Soccer Sports by Nate Unger Published October 13, 2026 Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium, commonly known as ELR, is located on the St. Paul campus of the University of Minnesota, a short trip away on the 121 and 126 bus routes. However, it is far from most attractions and other sporting facilities on the Minneapolis campus, making travel to watch soccer a little more challenging for supporters.  While college students make up a large number of fans, fans of all ages are welcome at the game, and many younger fans and their families attended. Food trucks, stands giving away Gopher Soccer posters and cornhole were available for fans at the team’s Sunday matchup.  Gallery 4 Photos Image by Nate Unger Soccer fans are also welcome to sit on the grass close to the fence on the south side of the stadium, where spectators go from the gate to the stadium. Jhett Leibfried, a junior, and Cecilia Rizzi, a senior, went to watch the soccer game together, traveling from Dinkytown to witness the game. “I came here because I have two friends on my team, so I just came to see them,” Rizzi said. When asked about the distance, Leibfried said travel can be challenging, especially without a personal vehicle. “It is a little bit of a hike,” Leibfried said. “I prefer it to be closer, just for the ease of travel, but thankfully they have a bus, but if you can’t make the bus, it’s kind of hard to get there.” A shuttle bus from the Bierman Athletic Building and Territorial Residence Hall, both on the Minneapolis campus, is available, but it only runs once each way. It leaves Bierman 30 minutes before the game starts, makes its way to Territorial Hall 20 minutes before, then goes to the stadium. The bus drops off and picks up spectators right outside of the stadium. It leaves 15 minutes after the game ends, and if you miss it, you need to find another way back, according to a Gopher soccer Instagram post. While the team lost 0-2 to #6-ranked Ohio State University that day, senior forward Katie Krohn has plenty of praise for her team.  “I love how competitive our team is,” Krohn said. “I love that we go into every game, you know, not scared of who’s across the field, and we have confidence in each other that we can win.”  Gallery 5 Photos Image by Nate Unger Soccer fans get to hear the starting lineup being introduced before the crowd after the National Anthem. The University does not have an NCAA men’s soccer team, meaning no other team regularly uses the facility.  “It’s kind of nice that we don’t have a men’s team also because the field gets really nice, and it’s really well maintained,” Krohn said. The game against Ohio State was alumni day, and despite the distance, many fans and former members of the team came to watch the team play.  “We had a great turnout today. Especially with it being alumni day. It’s great to see a bunch of Gopher soccer players come back and support us,” Krohn said. The Gophers battled, but ultimately fell 0-2 to the Ohio State Buckeyes Sunday afternoon. (Image by Nate Unger) With the intimate venue, fans get the opportunity to meet the players immediately after they cool down, and many family members and friends got to see the players, including Leibfried and Rizzi. Also, many younger fans got to meet their soccer stars and get autographs on their posters, shoes and other personal items. Gallery 3 Photos Image by Nate Unger Fans who want their personal items and posters signed make their way to the fence near the players' bench. The players then come and sign their posters. 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