Preview Center Set to Open to General Public Thursday, April 30
Not only will Thursday, April 30, offer the most exciting offseason moment with the beginning of the 2015 NFL Draft, but for Vikings fans the day will also mark a significant milestone with their future home for Vikings football. Having moved through the entire Season Ticket Member database and the new stadium waitlist, the Vikings and Van Wagner will open the sales process to the public at the end of this month. On April 30 the New Stadium Preview Center will officially open its doors to all fans, offering non-Season Ticket Members their first glimpse at the future game day experience. But you don't have to wait until then to secure your place in line; schedule your appointment now to visit the 7,500 square foot interactive space.
Just 15 Months Remain on Project
At today's MSFA board meeting, Mortenson representatives said the project is more than 50% complete with more than $420 million in work completed to date. The project peaked with 18 cranes on site last month, but by the end of the May, the final three of the five tower cranes will be dismantled and removed from the stadium's bowl, clearing the way for the building to be entirely closed prior to November 1.
Other items to note include the construction of stadia steps, as well as the completion of the main concourse, which allows workers (and soon fans) to walk 360 degrees around the stadium's bowl. Installation of the hard deck roof can be seen on the northeast, and ETFE crews will mobilize next month in preparation for the clear material to be installed on the roof's south side later this summer. The exterior zinc panels, which will be the same color as the snow diverter that is in place on the stadium's east side, will be placed beginning at the end of this month and will give fans the true feel for the stadium's look and feel from the outside. Yesterday, nearly 1,000 men and women who are calling the site their home on a daily basis gathered for a Mortenson/Thor safety lunch. More than 1,100 workers will be on site daily this summer.
Vikings Add 15 Norseman Lounge Mini-Suites
Also at today's meeting, the Vikings formally agreed to fund $1.2 million in construction costs to build 15 Norseman Lounge Mini-Suites. The 10-person suites will replace three of four loge lounges that were anticipated in the stadium's original design. Approximately half the size of the stadium's traditional suites, which accommodate between 18 and 32 fans, the Norseman Lounge Mini-Suites will provide an intimate experience that includes access to an exclusive lounge.
"With the tremendous interest we have seen through the first year of suite sales, it became apparent that we should add a smaller, unique seating product," said Vikings Executive Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer Steve LaCroix. "We think the Norseman Lounge Mini-Suites will be highly-desired by both individuals and businesses."
The 15 additional units will give the stadium a total of 131 suites. To date, the Vikings and Van Wagner Sports & Entertainment have secured commitments for 91, or nearly 70%, of the 131 total suites.
The $1.2 million contribution increases the team/private commitment to the stadium to $552 million, or $75 million more than the original $477 million planned contribution.
For more information on suites, fans can visit www.newminnesotastadium.com/seating or call 952.918.8552.
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