US Bank Stadium – Overview

Minneapolis’ website describes the city as “underestimated,” a fact that may be true for those unaware of the bustling city’s activities and culture. From its striking, waterfront skyline, countless theaters and performance centers, three professional sports stadiums, and the largest mall in the country, there is an incredible amount of potential experiences and destinations in this city of 410,000.

One of those destinations is the iconic US Bank Stadium, home of the Minnesota Vikings. Opened in July 2016, the stadium was built on the same site as the city’s previous stadium, the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, a.k.a. “The Dome.” Although US Bank Stadium was designed by the same firm as Lucas Oil Stadium and AT&T Stadium, the Vikings’ shining headquarters is an incredibly unique venue.

 

Overview

  • Stadium size: At 1.75 million square feet, US Bank Stadium is twice the size as its predecessor, the Metrodome. The previous stadium would actually fit inside US Bank Stadium. This size makes US Bank Stadium the 25th largest stadium in the NFL. The construction of the stadium was the state of Minnesota’s largest public works project in history.
  • Seating capacity: The stadium’s seating capacity is usually 68,860 distributed throughout seven levels, but can be expanded to fit up to 73,000 attendees for larger events such as concerts, college and high school sporting events, performances, trade shows, and more.
  • One-of-a-kind entrance: When entering US Bank Stadium, five prominent, 95-foot high glass doors pour natural light into the venue. Architects designed his distinctive entrance to create a flawless transition between the outside and inside of the stadium. US Bank Stadium’s doors are the largest pivoting doors in the world, and weigh a combined total of 40,000 tons. It’s quite a sight to see all five enormous panes of glass slowly pivot open, making this entrance unlike any other in the NFL. It takes five minutes for the doors to completely open and welcome the flow of fresh air into the stadium. Not to worry if there is wind, the field is sunken within in the stadium so as not to be impacted by the opening and closing of the doors.
  • Record-breaking roof: In addition to the impressive doors brightening the venue, US Bank Stadium features the country’s largest ETFE roof, which covers 60% of the stadium and provides attendees the feeling of being in an open-air stadium while enjoying the benefits of a climate-controlled environment. ETFE, Ethylene tetrafluoroethylene, is a transparent, lightweight material similar to plastic that many stadiums use as a glass alternative. ETFE is 1% of the weight of glass, and is durable under extreme conditions. This material is so translucent and sunshine-friendly that it’s even used for greenhouses. This material protects guests from the elements when the regular onslaught of Minnesota snow rolls in.
  • Medtronic Plaza: When Minneapolis has a favorable forecast, guests can enjoy US Bank Stadium’s three-acre Medtronic Plaza, which sits right outside its iconic glass doors. The view from the plaza is of the impressive Minneapolis skyline, the perfect place for a group picture before the game. The plaza also houses a large sculpture called the Viking Legacy Ship, which is the bow of a traditional Viking ship featuring the head of a dragon. 14,400 personalized, commemorative “Legacy Bricks” make up the sculpture. In addition, the Viking Legacy Ship contains a 55-foot-tall “sail” that serves as a video board displaying game updates and advertising upcoming events.
  • Club seating: US Bank Stadium includes 9,300 club seats and six distinct club spaces, each of which provides a unique experience. For example, the Delta Sky360° Club is located directly next to the Vikings locker room, allowing fans to see the team members as they enter and leave the field. Mystic Lake’s Club Purple has indoor seating as well as an outdoor deck, and all-inclusive food and beverages. The Hyundai Club has seats closer to the field than any other club in the NFL. US Bank Stadium also features the Medtronic Club, Factory Motor Parts Club, and Buffalo Wild Wings Club.
  • Accessibility: US Bank Stadium follows all ADA requirements, making everyone’s experience at the stadium as accessible as needed. Outside of the stadium, patrons in need of enhanced accessibility have access to a designated pick up and drop off area. Upon arrival at any entry point, guests can request a complimentary wheelchair escort by speaking to a Guest Experience Representative. The stadium features wheelchair, limited mobility, and companion seating through the venue, and certified service animals are welcome.

Tips

  • Ensure you’re “All Clear.” Like with any NFL stadium, it’s important to be aware of the restrictions regarding what items are permitted in the stadium. The NFL has suggested that fans follow its “All Clear” security initiative, which encourages guests to bring their belongings in a one gallon, clear, resealable plastic bag, or a designated see-through tote available for purchase on their website.
  • Make time to tailgate. Tailgating is one of the most exciting ways to spend the first few hours before a game, and U.S. Bank Stadium encourages fans to enjoy it safely at designated areas. At US Bank Stadium, tailgating for all weekend games begins five hours before kick-off, allowing attendees plenty of time to grill some food, listen to their favorite motivational music, and hang out with other Vikings fans in an upbeat environment. Guests have three hours after the game to continue tailgating, or until midnight, whichever comes first. This gives fans plenty of time to celebrate a Vikings victory. As for weekend games, tailgating usually opens three hours before kick off. If tailgating is not your preferred activity, the gates to US Bank Stadium open two hours prior to each event This gives guests plenty of time to enjoy the numerous restaurants and concession stands throughout the stadium.
  • Choose a designated driver. US Bank Stadium’s first priority is the safety of all attendees and guests. This is why the stadium encourages groups to choose a designated driver to handle their transportation. US Bank Stadium lauds this decision, inviting designated drivers to visit the Designated Driver Kiosk. There, the individual will receive a designated driver token, which can be traded in for a free soda.
  • Grab a First Game button. No matter your age, if it’s your first Vikings Game, US Bank Stadium will provide a complimentary First Game button. Visit the Guest Services Kiosk on either the Main or Upper Concourse to commemorate your first visit.
  • Get tech-friendly. US Bank Stadium conveniently has free Wi-Fi for guests and features phone charging stations throughout the stadium. That way you’ll have no problem keeping in touch, or showing friends and family the outstanding stadium.
  • Enjoy the VR Vikings. The Upper Club level of US Bank Stadium features a family-friendly VR experience called Viking Voyage. This interactive activity allows participants to test their speed and jumping abilities against the pros, quiz themselves on Vikings trivia, show their strength against a blocking shield, and learn more about team players and actual vikings throughout history. Book your time slot via their app to be a part of this 30 to 45-minute experience.

Trivia

  • The previous stadium’s roof was constantly collapsing. The roof of the Metrodome, the previous stadium, collapsed numerous times. The Metrodome became infamous when its roof caved in during a 2010 blizzard, but that wasn’t the first time. In its 35-year lifespan, the roof of the Metrodome collapsed five times. Luckily, US Bank Stadium has an outstandingly durable roof.
  • Some wanted the stadium to be outdoors. The owners of the Minnesota Vikings originally wanted US Bank Stadium to be an outdoor, open-air stadium. State and local governments quashed this idea by refusing to provide funding unless it was an indoor stadium. This way, US Bank stadium can host other major events throughout the year.
  • Construction of the stadium broke the bank. When completed, the cost of US Bank Stadium was grossly over budget. The original estimate was $975 million, but by the time of completion that cost was close to $1.1 billion. The Vikings covered the additional $130 million needed for the project.
  • Minneapolis has hosted two Super Bowls, but has won none. US Bank Stadium hosted Super Bowl LII in 2018, a victory for the underdog Philadelphia Eagles. 67,612 attendees were present in the stadium during this Super Bowl. Although Minneapolis has hosted the Super Bowl twice, their home team, the Minnesota Vikings, have never won one.
  • US Bank Stadium contributes water to the Mississippi River. The durable ETFE roof of the stadium is slanted so accumulated snow easily slides down into a heated gutter. This gutter melts the snow and drains it into the Mississippi River, less than one mile from the stadium.