Two people were shot and injured outside Aerie Stadium during a homecoming football game at Eden Prairie High School in Minnesota on October 2, 2026. The gunfire prompted an immediate evacuation of the stadium during the fourth quarter, drawing a large emergency response and leaving the community shaken.
Shots Fired Outside Aerie Stadium During Minnetonka Matchup
What began as a festive Friday night homecoming celebration turned to chaos when gunfire erupted outside the stadium gates. Law enforcement officers stationed at the venue to help manage the event responded to a disturbance on the north side of the campus around 8:40 p.m., according to the Eden Prairie Police Department. Police Chief Matt Sackett noted that officers were already on the scene to assist with the game when the violence unfolded. The game between Eden Prairie High School and rival Minnetonka High School was halted in the fourth quarter with Eden Prairie leading 21-14.
As spectators heard gunfire and smelled gunpowder, the public address announcer instructed everyone in the stands and on the field to evacuate immediately. Fans, players, and marching band members scrambled to leave the premises, with authorities routing crowds toward the nearby baseball diamonds to exit the campus safely. Wally Langfellow of Minnesota Score Radio, who was calling the game, described the unprecedented scene.
“I’ve been doing this for 35 years, radio play-by-play of high school games, and I’ve never seen anything like it. It was kind of eerie in a way and surreal, unfortunate because of the magnitude of this game. These are two great football teams, great communities and so on, and you know, it’s just kind of a sign of the times unfortunately.”
Wally Langfellow, Minnesota Score Radio, via CBS News
Victims Hospitalized as Police Secure the Campus
Two individuals sustained gunshot injuries in the confrontation. Emergency responders transported both victims to an area hospital with injuries that authorities confirmed were not considered life-threatening. Initial emergency radio dispatches noted that one victim suffered a gunshot wound to the leg and another was struck in the leg. School officials subsequently confirmed that neither of the wounded individuals is a student at Eden Prairie or Minnetonka.
Police launched a sweeping response, deploying dozens of squad cars and securing the perimeter around Valley View Road. The Eden Prairie Police Department, Eden Prairie Fire Department, and Hennepin County EMS coordinated the emergency operations.
Officials Guide Families to Reunification Sites
District officials directed attendees leaving the stadium to exit toward the baseball diamonds or proceed to Round Lake Park for family reunification, specifically at the pavilion south of the tennis courts. John Buteyn, associate principal of student activities, noted that staff successfully guided crowds out of the south end of the stadium to help families get safely on their way home.
City and school leaders addressed the community following the lockdown. Eden Prairie Mayor Ron Case and Superintendent Josh Swanson spoke about the gravity of the incident. Mayor Case expressed shock at the occurrence in a community like Eden Prairie, while Superintendent Swanson emphasized that school officials would avoid speculation until law enforcement confirmed further details.
Superintendent Swanson shared a message with families acknowledging the emotional toll of the evening. Tonight was a hard night for our community,
Swanson wrote on social media, adding that an event meant to celebrate school pride was marred by violence, yet brought out the resilience of local residents.
Governor Walz Condemns Violence as Investigation Continues
State leaders also weighed in on the shooting. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz issued a statement on social media on Friday night pledging state support for local investigators.
“No homecoming, in any community, should be disrupted by gun violence. Minnesotans are keeping students and families in our thoughts tonight.”
Tim Walz, Governor of Minnesota, via CBS News
Police investigators stated that they believe the shooting was targeted rather than random. As of late Friday, law enforcement had not made any arrests, and suspect identities have not been released. School officials announced that classes will resume on Monday with additional support staff and resources on site, and the postponed homecoming football game is scheduled to resume on Monday at a time to be determined.