US Bank Stadium opened on July 22, 2016

US Bank Stadium, located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, held its first event on July 22, 2016. The stadium was built as the new home of the Minnesota Vikings, replacing the Metrodome, which had served the team since 1982. The opening came after several years of planning, funding negotiations, and construction that began in December 2013.

The stadium cost approximately $1.1 billion to build, with funding coming from a mix of public and private sources. The Vikings organization, the state of Minnesota, Hennepin County, and the city of Minneapolis all contributed to the project. US Bank purchased the naming rights, which is why the facility carries the bank's name rather than being called the Vikings Stadium or another generic title.

Key Takeaways

  • US Bank Stadium opened on July 22, 2016, as the home of the Minnesota Vikings professional football team.
  • The stadium replaced the Metrodome, which had been the Vikings' home since 1982.
  • Construction took approximately two and a half years, beginning in December 2013.
  • The facility cost around $1.1 billion and was funded through a combination of public and private investment.

The first event and early operations

The stadium's inaugural event was a preseason game between the Minnesota Vikings and the Jacksonville Jaguars on July 22, 2016. This was a test run before the regular season began, allowing staff to work through operational procedures with a live crowd. The first regular season game at the new stadium took place on September 18, 2016, when the Vikings played the Green Bay Packers.

The opening was significant for Minneapolis because it marked the end of an era at the Metrodome and the beginning of a new chapter for professional football in the city. The new facility was designed with modern amenities, improved sightlines, and climate control features that the older stadium lacked.

Why the stadium was built

The Minnesota Vikings had played in the Metrodome for 34 years, but by the early 2000s, the building was aging and no longer met the standards of modern NFL stadiums. Team ownership and city leaders began discussions about either renovating the Metrodome or building a new facility. A new stadium was ultimately chosen as the better long-term investment.

The Vikings organization had also threatened to relocate to another city if a new stadium was not built, which added urgency to the project. This is a common pattern in professional sports: teams use the possibility of moving as leverage in negotiations with local governments for public funding. The Minnesota legislature approved public funding for the project in 2012, clearing the way for construction to begin.

Design features of the new stadium

US Bank Stadium was designed by the architectural firm HKS Architects and incorporates several distinctive features. The roof is made of ETFE plastic, a lightweight material that allows natural light to enter the building while providing weather protection. This design choice was unusual for NFL stadiums at the time and gives the facility a distinctive appearance.

The stadium has a seating capacity of approximately 66,000 for football games, which is standard for NFL venues. It also hosts other events including concerts, college football games, and soccer matches. The facility includes modern luxury suites, club seating areas, and concourse amenities that reflect current expectations for professional sports venues.

Location and accessibility

US Bank Stadium is located in downtown Minneapolis, near the Mississippi River. The site was chosen partly because of its proximity to public transportation, including light rail and bus lines. This location makes it easier for fans to reach the stadium without driving, which was an improvement over the Metrodome's location.

The stadium is also near other downtown attractions, restaurants, and hotels, which benefits the local economy. Game days bring thousands of people into the downtown area, supporting local businesses beyond just the stadium itself.

Economic impact and community significance

The construction of US Bank Stadium created jobs during the building phase and continues to provide employment for stadium staff, security personnel, and vendors. The facility generates tax revenue for the city and state through ticket sales, concessions, and other operations.

For Minneapolis residents and Vikings fans, the new stadium represented a major civic investment and a statement that the city was committed to keeping professional football in Minnesota. The opening in 2016 was celebrated as a milestone for the community, even though the public funding aspect remained controversial with some taxpayers who questioned whether the public money was well spent.

Frequently Asked Questions

What replaced the Metrodome after the Vikings moved?

The Metrodome building was demolished in December 2014, about a year and a half before US Bank Stadium opened. The site where the Metrodome stood has since been developed for other uses, including parking and future development projects.

Can you visit US Bank Stadium when there is no game?

Tours of US Bank Stadium are sometimes available on non-event days, though availability varies by season. You can contact the stadium directly or check the Minnesota Vikings website for current tour information and pricing.

Has the stadium hosted major events besides Vikings games?

Yes, US Bank Stadium has hosted Super Bowl LII in February 2018, college football games, concerts, and other large events. The facility's design and capacity make it suitable for major regional and national events beyond just regular season football.

How much did it cost to build US Bank Stadium?

The total construction cost was approximately $1.1 billion. Funding came from the Vikings organization, the state of Minnesota, Hennepin County, and the city of Minneapolis, with each entity contributing different amounts to the project.