U.S. Bank Stadium opened on July 22, 2016

U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis began construction in December 2013 and was completed in time for the Minnesota Vikings' 2016 season. The stadium cost $1.061 billion to build, with the Vikings organization, the state of Minnesota, and the city of Minneapolis sharing the funding. The facility replaced the Metrodome, which had been the Vikings' home since 1982.

The stadium sits on the same site as the Metrodome in downtown Minneapolis, near the Mississippi River. The Vikings played their 2014 and 2015 seasons at TCF Bank Stadium on the University of Minnesota campus while construction continued. The move back to a new downtown stadium marked the end of a 34-year run at the Metrodome.

Key Takeaways

  • Construction began in December 2013 and took approximately two and a half years to complete.
  • The stadium cost $1.061 billion, funded by the Vikings organization, the state of Minnesota, and the city of Minneapolis.
  • U.S. Bank Stadium replaced the Metrodome, which had served as the Vikings' home stadium since 1982.
  • The Vikings temporarily played at TCF Bank Stadium during the 2014 and 2015 seasons while the new facility was being built.

The Metrodome's 34-year history and why it needed replacing

The Metrodome opened in 1982 as a multipurpose indoor stadium with a distinctive white fabric roof. It hosted the Vikings, the Minnesota Twins baseball team, and the Minnesota Golden Gophers football team. By the early 2010s, the facility was aging, and the Vikings organization began pushing for a new stadium to remain competitive and generate more revenue.

The Metrodome's roof had become a maintenance concern, and the stadium lacked modern amenities that newer facilities offered. The Vikings had threatened to relocate if a new stadium was not built, which prompted state and local officials to negotiate a funding package. The decision to build U.S. Bank Stadium was finalized in 2012, and demolition of the Metrodome began in December 2013.

Design features and what made the new stadium different

U.S. Bank Stadium introduced several architectural innovations compared to the Metrodome. The building features a transparent ETFE plastic roof that allows natural light to enter the stadium while maintaining climate control. The roof design was distinctive enough to become an iconic part of Minneapolis's skyline.

The stadium has a seating capacity of 66,655 for Vikings games and can be reconfigured for other events. It includes club seating, premium suites, and modern concourse areas. The facility also hosts concerts, conventions, and other sporting events beyond Vikings games, which was part of the economic justification for the public funding.

The Vikings' temporary home during construction

The Vikings played the 2014 and 2015 seasons at TCF Bank Stadium on the University of Minnesota's campus in St. Paul. TCF Bank Stadium is an outdoor facility with a capacity of around 50,000, significantly smaller than both the Metrodome and the new U.S. Bank Stadium. The temporary move was necessary because the Metrodome was demolished to make way for the new construction.

Playing at TCF Bank Stadium presented challenges, including weather exposure and reduced seating capacity. However, it allowed construction to proceed on schedule downtown. The Vikings returned to their home city for the 2016 season when U.S. Bank Stadium opened.

Funding and the public-private partnership

The $1.061 billion construction cost was split among three sources: the Minnesota Vikings organization, the state of Minnesota, and the city of Minneapolis. The Vikings contributed approximately $500 million, while the state and city combined contributed around $561 million in public funding. This public-private partnership was controversial, with some residents questioning whether public money should fund a private sports facility.

The funding structure included state bonds, city bonds, and a sales tax increase in Hennepin County. The Vikings organization also committed to long-term revenue sharing agreements to help offset the public investment. The stadium naming rights were sold to U.S. Bank, which paid for the naming rights over a 20-year period.

Opening day and the Vikings' first season in the new stadium

U.S. Bank Stadium officially opened on July 22, 2016, with a preseason game between the Vikings and Jacksonville Jaguars. The Vikings' first regular season game at the new stadium was on September 11, 2016, against the Tennessee Titans. The team won that game 25–16, marking a successful start to the new era.

The opening of the stadium was celebrated as a major milestone for Minneapolis and the Vikings organization. The facility quickly became known for its distinctive roof design and modern amenities. Since opening, the stadium has hosted Super Bowl LII in February 2018, which brought significant national attention and economic activity to the region.

What the stadium hosts beyond Vikings games

U.S. Bank Stadium was designed as a multipurpose venue to maximize its use and revenue. The facility hosts major concerts, conventions, college football games, and other sporting events. The stadium's flexibility in configuration allows it to accommodate different event types and crowd sizes.

The stadium's ability to host diverse events was part of the economic argument for public funding. By generating revenue from non-Vikings events, the facility helps offset operating costs and justifies the public investment. This multipurpose approach distinguishes it from older stadiums that were primarily built for a single team.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long did it take to build U.S. Bank Stadium?

Construction took approximately two and a half years, from December 2013 to July 2016. The Vikings played at TCF Bank Stadium during the 2014 and 2015 seasons while the new facility was being completed.

Why did the Vikings need a new stadium?

The Metrodome was aging and lacked modern amenities. The Vikings organization wanted a facility that could generate more revenue and keep the team competitive. The organization also threatened relocation if a new stadium was not built.

How much did U.S. Bank Stadium cost?

The total construction cost was $1.061 billion. The Vikings organization paid approximately $500 million, while the state of Minnesota and the city of Minneapolis combined contributed around $561 million in public funding.

What happened to the Metrodome?

The Metrodome was demolished in December 2013 to make room for U.S. Bank Stadium on the same site. The facility had served as the Vikings' home since 1982.

Has U.S. Bank Stadium hosted any major events besides Vikings games?

Yes. The stadium hosted Super Bowl LII in February 2018. It also regularly hosts concerts, conventions, college football games, and other sporting events throughout the year.