U.S. Bank Stadium

U.S. Bank Stadium
Name	U.S. Bank Stadium
Location	401 Chicago Avenue, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Broke ground	December 3, 2013
Opened	July 22, 2016
Owner	Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority
Operator	ASM Global
Surface	UBU Sports Speed Series S5-M synthetic turf
Construction cost	$1.129 billion
Architect	HKS, Inc., Studio Hive, Snow Kreilich Architects
Structural engineer	Walter P Moore, Meyer Borgman Johnson
General contractor	Mortenson Construction, Thor Construction
Tenants	Minnesota Vikings (NFL)
Seating capacity	66,860 (expandable to 73,000)

U.S. Bank Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium located in the Downtown East neighborhood of Minneapolis. Primarily serving as the home of the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League, the facility replaced the adjacent Metrodome. The stadium is noted for its distinctive angular design and translucent roof, which allows natural light to illuminate the playing field.

History

The push for a new stadium began after the Metrodome's roof collapsed in 2010 under heavy snow, highlighting the aging facility's vulnerabilities. Following extensive negotiations between the Minnesota Vikings ownership, led by Zygi Wilf, and the Minnesota Legislature, a financing package was approved in 2012. The project was overseen by the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority, with groundbreaking occurring in late 2013. Construction was managed by a joint venture of Mortenson Construction and Thor Construction, and the venue opened in time for the 2016 NFL season. The stadium's naming rights were secured by U.S. Bancorp in a landmark agreement.

Design and architecture

Designed by a team led by HKS, Inc. with local partners Studio Hive and Snow Kreilich Architects, the structure is renowned for its dramatic, angular form inspired by Minnesota's ice and Nordic heritage. Its most defining feature is a massive, translucent roof made of ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), a first for a major NFL stadium, which minimizes glare and shadows on the field. The facade incorporates large pivoting glass doors, among the world's largest, that open to views of the Minneapolis skyline. Structural engineering was handled by Walter P Moore and Meyer Borgman Johnson, creating a column-free lower bowl for unobstructed sightlines.

Features and facilities

The stadium features a state-of-the-art video board system, including two massive end-zone displays. Premium seating options include expansive suites and the unique Delta Sky360 Club. The main concourse is lined with local food and beverage offerings, celebrating Minnesota cuisine. The playing surface is a specialized UBU Sports synthetic turf. Other notable amenities include dedicated spaces for the Minnesota Vikings Vikings Museum and vast, flexible spaces capable of hosting large-scale exhibitions and conventions.

Events

Beyond Minnesota Vikings games, the stadium has hosted major events including Super Bowl LII in 2018 and the NCAA Men's Final Four in 2019. It serves as a regular venue for ESPN's College GameDay and major concerts by artists like Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, and Metallica. The stadium was also the site of the 2017 X Games and has hosted professional wrestling events for WWE, including WrestleMania. It is a scheduled venue for matches in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Sustainability and impact

The project pursued LEED Gold certification, incorporating a robust stormwater management system, extensive use of recycled materials, and energy-efficient lighting. Its downtown location promotes use of public transit like Metro Transit and the METRO Green Line. The stadium's construction was a catalyst for the redevelopment of the surrounding Downtown East district, spurring new residential, commercial, and public spaces like the The Commons park. Operations focus on waste diversion and sustainable sourcing.

Management and operations

The stadium is owned by the public Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority and operated under contract by the global firm ASM Global. Day-to-day management involves coordination with primary tenant Minnesota Vikings and numerous other event promoters. Security is managed in conjunction with the Minneapolis Police Department and federal partners for major events. The facility's financing involves contributions from the State of Minnesota, the City of Minneapolis, and the Minnesota Vikings organization.

Category:American football venues in Minnesota Category:Buildings and structures in Minneapolis Category:National Football League venues Category:Sports venues completed in 2016