MINNEAPOLIS—Another big step was taken this week in the transformation of downtown Minneapolis, which has recently seen a great deal of commercial development. The Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority and the Minnesota Vikings, in partnership with Mortenson Construction and project associate Thor Construction, held a ceremonial groundbreaking on the new $975 million multi-purpose stadium that will replace the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome. The partners plan to complete the 65,000 seat, 1.7-million-square-foot facility in July 2016.

“We are proud to be here today to officially break ground for one of the most iconic stadiums in the country,” said Michele Kelm-Helgen, chair of the MSFA. “We set out to design a stadium that can accommodate all kinds of events, from high school and collegiate football, soccer and baseball, professional football, to community events, conventions and concerts. After a lot of hard work, we succeeded. I'd like to thank all of our partners, the Vikings organization, HKS and Mortenson Construction for getting us all here today.”

Designed by sports architectural firm HKS Sport & Entertainment Group, the stadium will have the largest transparent roof in the nation, and operable doors that open to a three-acre plaza and the downtown skyline. Along with the Vikings, officials said the facility will also host many other events, such as NCAA tournaments, BCS Championships, a Super Bowl, high school and collegiate sports, conventions, community events and concerts.

The stadium deal has spurred other development proposals for the neighborhood. The local development firm Ryan Cos., and the MSFA are in the process of getting approval for a $400-million mixed-use project they hope to build near the new stadium. The project should include office, residential and retail space within a city park on the current site of the Metrodome.

“This is a monumental day for the Vikings, our fans, and the entire State of Minnesota,” said Vikings Owner/President Mark Wilf. “We are grateful for the hundreds of hours of hard work that have been committed to this project by so many people. Today we have a chance to celebrate putting thousands of people back to work in building one of the best facilities in the world.”

Instant Insights /

Builders Begin New Vikings Stadium

Related Stories

Recommended For You