Check out a full photo gallery from Tuesday, as construction workers placed yet another piece of the steel Ridge Truss that will ultimately span the entire length of the new Vikings stadium from east to west.
Stadium Approaching One-Third Complete
Mortenson Construction and MSFA officials announced today the new stadium construction is now 28% complete and continuing to move at a rapid pace. Officials said 60% of all concrete on the site has been poured, including the entire two lower levels of the stadium. Glass installation will begin in early 2015 followed by zinc metal panel installation, which will mark the beginning of the permanent closure, in April.
To date, more than 2,000 people have worked on the project and nearly 700 construction workers are on site daily. Watch the progress here.
Vikings Make Pitch to Major League Soccer
On Thursday, Vikings ownership and members of the management staff made the team’s official pitch to Major League Soccer officials for bringing a new MLS franchise to the new stadium.
"We have a great story to tell centering on an outstanding new stadium that includes a soccer-specific design plan, an excellent soccer market in Minneapolis-St. Paul and a passionate ownership group that believes in the future of the sport in the United States," said Vikings Owner/President Mark Wilf. "This is a terrific sports market that has a strong history with soccer, and the fans deserve an opportunity to enjoy MLS."
With 19 teams currently, MLS has awarded four new franchises and is looking to reach 24 by 2020. Two groups in Minnesota, along with cities like Sacramento and Las Vegas, are vying to fill that 24th spot. The MLS board of governors meeting on December 6 is expected to provide the next update regarding the expansion process.
Locally, the Vikings continue to celebrate the sport with a "Toast to MN Soccer Fans" EPL breakfast series. Fans are invited to enjoy free breakfast, beer and banter for the following two EPL matchups:
Saturday, November 22
The Local (931 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis)
Arsenal FC vs. Manchester United FC
10:30 a.m. Breakfast / 11:30 a.m. Kickoff
Sunday, November 30
The Nomad World Pub (501 Cedar Avenue, Minneapolis)
Tottenham Hotspur FC vs. Everton FC
9 a.m. Breakfast / 10:00 a.m. Kickoff
Team/Private Contribution Increases By Nearly $650,000
MSFA Chair Michele Kelm-Helgen announced today the team/private contribution will once again increase, this time nearly $650,000. Approved by the entire MSFA Board, the additional money will be directed toward design changes for items such as finishes, food service capabilities, and the Vikings locker room. The increase pushes the team/private contribution to nearly $527 million. The public contribution remains at $498 million.
Largest Section of Steel Ridge Truss Placed
If you missed it earlier this week, the largest piece of structural steel that will make up the ridge truss spanning the length of the entire stadium was raised into place. Weighing more than 700,000 pounds, the steel piece has a depth of 36 feet at its tallest dimension, is 16 feet wide and 197 feet long. Watch a video of the steel placement here or check out still images here.
For all of the latest updates or to join the waitlist and secure your new stadium priority, click here.
