METRO Light Rail Station Near U.S. Bank Stadium Named to Reflect Location
Starting in March, the METRO Light Rail Station near U.S. Bank Stadium will change its name to reflect the local landmark. Currently known as the Downtown East/Metrodome Station, the stop just steps away from the five largest pivoting at the Vikings new home will be renamed U.S. Bank Stadium Station.
A popular station among transit users, the U.S. Bank Stadium station will serve as a vital component to the gameday experience as fans utilize public transportation to get to and from Vikings home games. Servicing the Blue and Green Lines, fans will be able to dropped off near the stadium as the come from St. Paul, Mall of America or any of the other stops in between.
"We appreciate Metro Transit's decision to recognize a landmark that is, without a doubt, reshaping this part of downtown Minneapolis," said Vikings Owner/President Mark Wilf. "Knowing a large number of Vikings fans and stadium users will arrive via light rail, naming this 'U.S. Bank Stadium' is both appropriate and practical."
Talk of Tailgating for Vikings Home Games Heats Up
After nearly four years of planning, the ball has started rolling on the expansion of the tailgate zones near U.S. Bank Stadium. Recently, the Minnesota Vikings and two Minneapolis neighborhood associations agreed on a plan that would increase the tailgating opportunities in the vicinity near the new Vikings stadium. With the agreement in place, the next step is to present the plan to members of the Minneapolis City Council for consideration.
If approved, the Vikings will immediately begin to start identifying lots that could be used within the boundaries to host tailgating opportunities for fans. Since the beginning, the Vikings have wanted to ensure the best gameday experience possible for fans and this includes tailgating.
"There's a great tradition and history of Vikings tailgating, dating back to the first days of the franchise at Metropolitan Stadium," Vikings Executive Vice President of Public Affairs and Stadium Development Lester Bagley said. "Ever since, our fans have participated in the great celebration of getting together before games and staying after games. We have surveyed Vikings fans and know there is a strong interest in maintain those game-day gatherings as we move to U.S. Bank Stadium."
Progress Continues as U.S. Bank Stadium Surpasses 90% Mark
With over 2 years of work completed, U.S. Bank Stadium is entering the final stages of construction as it's down to the final 10%. Currently as the winter weather wraps up, work continues on the interior of the stadium to get ready for the July completion.
Recently, the operable doors were glazed and the system that allows them to pivot open has been installed. A complete test of the system will take place in early April. Work continues on the telescopic seating that will finish up in the coming weeks to make way for the beginning of readying the field to host baseball games. The telescopic seating will open up the field and allow the stadium to host baseball games with home plate being located in the southeast corner of the field.
As you may have noticed on the live construction cameras, work continues to progress on the actual playing field itself. The field is currently being set for asphalt installation in late April with the artificial turf field being rolled out in early May.
Additionally, the locker shells for the Vikings locker room have arrived on site. The Vikings locker room will feature 60 permanent locker structures with room for up to an additional 30 temporary structures.
Media Take in U.S. Bank Stadium as Construction Hits Final Stretch
As the construction of U.S. Bank Stadium wraps up in the coming months, members of the media were invited out to tour the stadium to see what areas have been completed and where the work continues. Those on the tour were able to go inside the now completed Hyundai Club and the under-construction Club Purple as well as get an up-close look at the five pivoting glass doors on the stadium's west side.
In addition to the major features of the state-of-the-art facility, media members took notice of the stadium's wide concourses, and natural light that will be on full display for fans during Vikings home games in 2016.
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