You’re walking down the street in Minneapolis, maybe feeling a bit sluggish, and you realize you need two things: a caffeine hit and some actual, tangible human energy. That’s exactly where Ninth Street Soccer and Coffee comes into play. It isn’t just a place to grab a latte and it definitely isn't just a gym. It’s this weird, beautiful hybrid that somehow makes total sense once you step inside. Honestly, the first time you see people playing high-intensity small-sided soccer while someone else casually sips an oat milk honey latte ten feet away, it feels like you’ve stumbled into a secret club.
The concept is simple but rare. Ninth Street Soccer and Coffee combines a high-end specialty coffee bar with a state-of-the-art indoor soccer facility. It’s located in the Marcy-Holmes neighborhood, tucked into a space that feels industrial yet incredibly warm. Most people who find this place stay for hours. Why? Because it solves the problem of "third spaces" disappearing in our cities. It’s not your house, it’s not your office—it’s the place where you actually feel like part of a community.
What Ninth Street Soccer and Coffee Actually Does Better Than Your Local Gym
Most indoor soccer facilities are, frankly, a bit gross. You know the vibe: dusty turf, the smell of old shin guards, and vending machines that haven't been stocked since 2012. Ninth Street Soccer and Coffee flipped that script entirely. They decided that soccer players deserve good aesthetics and even better coffee. The facility features a high-quality turf pitch designed for 5v5 or 6v6 games. This "small-sided" format is basically the secret sauce of soccer development. It’s faster. You get more touches on the ball. You can't hide in the corner like you can on a full 11v11 pitch. It’s exhausting, but in the best way possible.
The coffee side isn't an afterthought. They aren't just pushing a button on an automatic machine. They use beans from top-tier roasters—often featuring local favorites like Dogwood Coffee Co. They take their extraction times and milk steaming seriously. It’s a legitimate specialty cafe that happens to have a soccer field attached to it. You’ll see remote workers with their MacBooks parked at the bar, totally unfazed by the sound of a ball hitting the perimeter boards. It creates this rhythmic, white-noise effect that is surprisingly productive.
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The Magic of Small-Sided Games
If you’ve never played 5v5, you’re missing out on the most efficient workout on the planet. Because the space is tighter, your decision-making has to be lightning-fast. Ninth Street organizes pickup games that are genuinely inclusive. You’ve got former college players mixing it up with people who just picked up the sport in their thirties. There’s no judgment, just a collective agreement to play hard and then grab a drink afterward.
They also host leagues that get pretty competitive. But even then, the atmosphere stays chill. The "coffee" half of the business acts as a social lubricant. It’s hard to stay mad at a defender who accidentally tripped you when you’re both waiting in line for a flat white five minutes later.
Why the Hybrid Model is Winning in 2026
We’re seeing a massive shift in how people spend their free time. People are lonely. They’re tired of "big box" gyms where nobody talks to each other. Ninth Street Soccer and Coffee tapped into a specific niche: the "active socialite." It’s about movement and connection. Business experts often talk about "monetizing downtime," and this place does it perfectly. If you’re waiting for your kid’s practice to end, you’re buying a pastry and a cold brew. If you finish your game, you’re sticking around to watch the next one while hydrating.
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It’s also a hub for soccer fans. When the Premier League is on, or when the World Cup rolls around, this place is electric. It becomes the de facto living room for the neighborhood. They show games on the big screens, and because the crowd actually knows the sport, the commentary from the bar is usually better than what you’ll hear on the TV broadcast.
Not Just for the Pros
A common misconception is that you have to be "good" to show up at Ninth Street Soccer and Coffee. That’s totally wrong. They have "open play" sessions where the whole point is just to get moving. They also run youth programs that focus on technical skills rather than just hoofing the ball down the field. For kids, the environment is amazing. It’s safe, it’s clean, and parents can actually enjoy their morning while their kids burn off an insane amount of energy.
The pitch itself is a 50' x 80' world-class turf surface. It’s easy on the joints, which is a big deal if you’re over 25 and still trying to pretend you’re in your prime. They also use a specialized lighting system that makes the space feel bright and airy, avoiding that "basement" feel that plagues so many indoor sports centers.
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How to Get the Most Out of Your Visit
If you’re planning to head over, don’t just show up and hope for a game. The pickup slots fill up fast. Use their online booking system—it’s the only way to guarantee you’ll actually get on the pitch. If you’re just there for the vibes, the best time is mid-morning on a weekday. It’s quiet enough to get work done but has enough background activity to keep you from falling asleep at your desk.
- Check the Schedule: Look for "Open Play" if you don't have a team. It’s the best way to meet regulars.
- Order the Seasonal Specials: The baristas here are creative. They usually have a seasonal syrup or a specific bean rotation that’s worth trying over your standard latte.
- Bring the Right Shoes: No cleats allowed. You need turf shoes or flat-soled indoor shoes. Your knees (and the facility managers) will thank you.
- Hydrate, then Caffeinate: Grab a water before the game and save the espresso for the post-match breakdown.
Ninth Street Soccer and Coffee isn't trying to be a massive franchise. It feels like a passion project that grew into a community staple. It’s about the intersection of sport and culture. In a world that’s increasingly digital, having a place where you can sweat, talk, and drink great coffee all in one go is a rare find.
Actionable Steps for Newcomers
If you want to dive into the community at Ninth Street Soccer and Coffee, start small. Don't feel pressured to join a high-level league on day one.
- Visit as a spectator first. Grab a coffee on a Saturday morning and just watch a few games. You’ll get a feel for the skill levels and the culture.
- Join the mailing list. They announce specialized clinics and community events there first.
- Invest in a 10-session pass. It’s cheaper than paying per session and it forces you to make it a habit.
- Talk to the staff. The baristas and the pitch managers are usually soccer nerds who can point you toward the right league or pickup group for your skill level.
Whether you’re there for the crema or the crossbar challenges, Ninth Street Soccer and Coffee represents the best of Minneapolis' local business scene. It's proof that if you build something with quality and community at its core, people will show up—boots in hand and mugs ready.