The first known mention of football at the University of Minnesota was on October 30, 1878 in the Ariel, the student newspaper at the time.
Minnesota's first intercollegiate game which has its results recorded took place at the King's Fair Ground on September 30, 1882, though some secondary sources may incorrectly give the location as the Minnesota State Fairgrounds and the date as September 29, 1882.
Following the meet, the athletes from Hamline wanted to go home, but were talked into playing a game of football first.
[3]: 11 According to the Ariel, "It is only fair to say that the Hamlines did not have their full strength and the University won by two goals in fifty-five minutes.
This ended the day and the crowd dispersed well satisfied with the beginning which had been made in intercollegiate sports.