Minneapolis' American football team, the Minnesota Vikings, will soon have a new home. Indeed, after the closure and demolition of the city's Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in 2013, the site is now being redeveloped with a new, larger stadium set to open in July. Known as the U.S. Bank Stadium, the facility designed by HKS Architects is getting close to completion.
Built with a seating capacity of 65,400 — with the possibility to expand to 73,000 during other events such as the Super Bowl or the Final Four — the diamond-shaped edifice is currently receiving its final touches. Featuring a fixed glass roof and 24-meter-high pivoting glass doors in order to allow the visitors to take in the views of the city's skyline, the exterior of the building is currently being clad with dark-toned metal tiles contrasting with the large panes of clear glass already installed.
The artificial turf field and its envelope are at the centre of Minneapolis' urban regeneration plan, with several adjacent empty blocks being converted into a series of mixed-use developments. Additionally, the former offices of the local Star Tribune newspaper are to be demolished to make way for a a 4.2-acre park space covering close to three blocks in front of the stadium, and known as Downtown East Commons. It aims to serve the new community currently under construction around it.
More than 300 new residential units, 110,000 square metres of office space and 3,700 square metres of retail are emerging within the revitalized area, made accessible by light rail transit thanks to the city's Metro Blue and Green lines located immediately adjacent to the new stadium's two-acre plaza. The edifice will also be connected to the city by the 18-kilometre long Minneapolis Skyway System via a series of enclosed pedestrian bridges.
A series of webcams offer exterior and interior views of the $1 billion USD facility over several different angles. Additional information and renderings can be found in our Database file for the U.S. Bank Stadium, linked below. Want to get involved in the discussion? Check out the associated Forum thread, or leave a comment in the space provided at the bottom of this page.