The new U.S. Bank Stadium, home to the NFL’s Minnesota Vikings, was completed six weeks ahead of schedule. Contractor Mortenson Construction turned over the stadium keys to the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority (MSFA), the building’s owner, on June 17, 2016 during the MSFA’s June board meeting.
The stadium was issued “Substantially Complete,”— a contract term that establishes when construction is finished except for minor remaining work, and the building can be used for its intended purpose. U.S. Bank Stadium was originally scheduled to reach this milestone on July 29.
The architectural landmark is 1,750,000 square-feet and cost $1.1 billion to build. With seating for up to 70,000, 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 stadium was built in two-and-a-half years, several months shorter than originally projected, and for less than other similarly-sized sports facilities.
Photo courtesy U.S. Bank Stadium
