U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota is scheduled to be finished around July of this year, in time for the Minnesota Vikings to move in for the 2016 season. With construction about 95% done, the focus on construction is now on the little things and most notably, the inside of the stadium.
The Star Tribune is reporting the focus has turned to things such as concessions signs, personnel matters, and hiring staff.
Mortenson Construction executive Eric Grenz told The Star Tribune the company expects the stadium to be move-in ready in early June and to “hand over the keys” in early July, which is right on schedule.
The stadium’s final cost is $1.1 billion and is the largest public-private project in Minnesota’s history. It was built on the site of the old Metrodome, but is about twice as large.
On Friday, a one-hour meeting was held with officials to discuss what needs to be finished for the stadium to be ready on time.
Ted Mondale, the Executive Director of the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority who’s overseeing the construction, spoke bluntly about what needs to be done. He said all signs will be reviewed before being put up so the stadium can avoid looking like a “flea market.” Mondale also added the “flea market” appearance he wants to avoid is visible inside what is assumed to be Lucas Oil Stadium stadium in Indianapolis, the home of the Colts. Mondale continued, “I mean, they have tractors and oil cans hanging from the ceiling.”
The Star Tribune also reported Mondale spoke of a tent for the west side of the stadium the Vikings would purchase. This would be similar to the tents around the Metrodome for events during the season.
But the tents must look good according to MSFA member John Griffith.
“(I want to) encourage the Vikings to come up with something special … so that it doesn’t look like a circus tent,” Griffith said.
The Vikings won’t be done building once the stadium is complete, however. The Star Tribune reported the team plans to unveil details for a $1.2 million 10,000-square-foot Vikings Hall of Fame soon.
General Manager for SMG (the company that operates the stadium), Patrick Talty, said there will be a job fair from April 26th-28th at the Minneapolis Convention Center for job applicants. Jobs include hospitality, security, bartenders, ticket takers, tour guides, retail, and much more.
“Who should apply? Everybody,” Talty said.
In May of 2012, a bill was passed to build the new stadium, which will be known as U.S. Bank Stadium. Nearly four years later, construction is almost complete and the Vikings will be able to play inside once again.
[Star Tribune/Photo: FOX 6 Minneapolis]
