The beginning of a new school year is upon us here at the University of Minnesota, and all of our favorite fall activities are underway. Students are returning to class, enjoying the fall weather, but most importantly, they’re gearing up for the gopher football season. Gopher football and the atmosphere it creates is a staple here on campus. This season, the excitement has been unparalleled; students show their school spirit by throwing tailgate parties, wearing their gopheralls, and rushing to Huntington Bank Stadium to watch the team play.
Some may argue this is the best time of year for students and other fans and alums. Everyone shows their support when the Gophers take the field, and the energy around Huntington Bank Stadium has been unmatched so far this year. Fans go all out for these tailgates and take their preparation very seriously. However, the most committed tailgate group title belongs to the True North Equity Partners and their Gopher Fan Van. The Gopher Fan Van is dedicated to tailgating outside Huntington Bank Stadium. It is owned by Brian Slipka, the founder and CEO of True North Companies.
The Fan Van was born to support the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers and harbor friendship and good times. It may have started out rough around the edges, but it did not take long for tailgaters to fall in love with the Fan Van. After its first appearance, the Fan Van quickly became the talk of campus and tailgates around Huntington Bank Stadium. The Fan Van hosted the most electric tailgates this campus had ever seen and brought people together from all over the state.
However, just as The Fan Van was gaining steam, disaster struck. The Fan Van was stolen from the True North Building in Dinkytown, with the perpetrators nowhere to be found. The beloved Fan Van was found after a city-wide search and local news coverage. The Fan Van was located in Golden Valley after being missing for about a week. The Fan Van had been through a lot and sustained some serious damage.
Not to worry, though, after some much-needed TLC, the Fan Van was up and running again. The fun and comradery the Fan Van created finally returned to Huntington Bank Stadium where it belonged. After recovering the vehicle, the owner, Brian Slipka, said, “We’ve had the Minnesota Golden Gopher’ Fan Van’ for 13 years. It has brought fun and enjoyment to so many people over the years at so many tailgate parties that it is worth far more in sentimental value than it could ever be worth as a vehicle. The Fan Van has crank windows, can barely go over 50 miles per hour, and doesn’t even have AC—but we love it.”
After 13 years of Fan Van success, Slipka and the True North Family wanted to take it to the next level. This led to the Fan Van 2.0.
The upgraded Fan Van allows for an even more amazing tailgate experience. And since its debut, the Fan Van 2.0 has been a massive hit. It has drawn in crowds and produced the best tailgate scene the University of Minnesota has ever seen. The Fan Van 2.0 brings people together and forms bonds like no other.
Not only is The Fan Van an important part of Gopher Gameday, but it is also a fundraising machine. The Fan Van supports the True North Family Foundation and raises money for this charitable cause. Brian and his wife, Megan, founded the True North Family Foundation, a public 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to character in leadership and community stewardship, where they have endowed numerous initiatives related to education, community involvement, and character-building.
The Minnesota Gophers Fan Van is an iconic symbol of strength and support for the University of Minnesota Gopher football team. However, what makes the Fan Van truly special is the passionate fans who own and operate it. The Slipkas and the True North Family of Companies are important figures in the Golden Gopher community. They go above and beyond to create a welcoming and spirited atmosphere wherever they go. Their dedication to the school and the football team makes the Fan Van distinctive.
Overall, The Gophers Fan Van is more than just transportation; it’s a symbol of the tight-knit Gopher community and fans’ unbridled enthusiasm for their team. It’s a mobile reminder that, win or lose, Gopher pride runs deep in the hearts of Minnesota fans. So, enjoy your Gopher football season, and watch for the Fan Van!
