Saints plan for tailgating near new CHS Field

Some years ago, my husband and I went to a St. Paul Saints game at Midway Stadium, our mini Smokey Joe grill in tow for an afternoon of tailgating.

After barbecuing, we went to the game, leaving behind the grill still filled with its smoldering charcoal detritus. And, guess what? When we returned, the Smokey Joe was GONE!

This has forever scarred my significant other. I'm hoping the tailgating opportunities at the Saints' new CHS Field will coax him back into tailgating mode.

For now, Saints tailgaters can park in a lot at the corner of Lafayette Road and E. Prince Street, just off Kellogg Boulevard E. The lot can hold more than 500 vehicles and costs $8 a spot. Grills, food and beverages are permitted. The lot is about four blocks from the E. 4th Street entrance to CHS Field.

Last week, the Metropolitan Council voted to authorize staff to negotiate with the Saints to develop another lot for tailgating near Metro Transit's light-rail operations and maintenance facility. The Met Council owns land adjacent to the stadium and, if all goes as hoped, the new lot could mean an additional 250 spots for tailgating — up to 75 events a year.

Terms of the agreement have not been reached just yet, but the Saints are expected to construct the lot and provide security during games. Saints Vice President Tom Whaley hopes to reach a deal with the regional planning body sometime this summer.

It remains to be seen whether the tailgating experience at CHS Field will be the same as at Midway. "Tailgating has been a part of the Saints experience since Day One," Whaley said. But since Lowertown in St. Paul offers so many options for drinking and dining, "we'll see how it goes. At Midway, there weren't a lot of options."

For those taking public transit to the game (the Green Line's final station at Union Depot is a few blocks away), there will be "rail-gating" with a few vendors at the farmers market, according to Whaley. And, of course, there are lots of options for eating and drinking inside the stadium, while taking in a game.

So, in other words, a Smokey Joe isn't required.

Janet Moore@startribune.com