New U.S. Bank Stadium is Ready for Game Time

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – Construction of U.S. Bank Stadium is substantially complete and the building is ready for business. Finished six weeks ahead of schedule, the new stadium and home of the Minnesota Vikings features a bold, iconic design unique to Minnesota, fan-friendly elements and unmatched technology that make it a special NFL venue. Contractor Mortenson Construction symbolically turned over the stadium’s keys to the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority, the building’s owner, and the Minnesota Vikings during the MSFA’s recent June board meeting.

The architectural landmark totals 1,750,000 square feet and cost $1.1 billion to build. With seating for up to 70,000 patrons, the stadium features a fixed-roof design with the largest span of transparent ETFE material in the country; five large glass pivoting doors; zinc metal exterior panels; the closest seats to the field in the NFL; seven levels connected by stairs, ramps, escalators and elevators; the first NFL stadium built with LED lighting; increased and enhanced concessions; 2,000 HD flat-screen TVs and two concourses with 360 degree circulation and various views into the bowl.

The construction of U.S. Bank Stadium set a new standard for sports facilities. Followed by a groundbreaking ceremony on Dec. 3, 2013, the stadium was built in two-and-a-half years, several months shorter than originally projected, and far less than other similarly sized sports facilities. The project also achieved unparalleled workforce participation and local business involvement that exceeded the established goals for the project. More than 8,000 workers have committed more than four million hours on the project to date. The city of Minneapolis issued the building’s certificate of occupancy a month-and-a-half early on June 3.

HKS served as project architect.

Following the official ribbon-cutting and grand opening ceremony on July 22, U.S. Bank Stadium will host free public open houses on July 23 and 24, including a weekend-long, family friendly festival. The first sporting event at U.S. Bank Stadium will be AC Milan v. Chelsea F.C. on Aug. 3 as part of the 2016 International Champions Cup and back-to-back concerts by Luke Bryan and Metallica will take place on Aug. 19 and Aug. 20, respectively. The Minnesota Vikings 2016 home opener is Sept. 18 vs. the Green Bay Packers. U.S. Bank Stadium will also host Super Bowl LII in 2018 and the 2019 NCAA Men’s Final Four.