After three seasons in the facility, the Minnesota Vikings and the venue’s owner are planning a U.S. Bank Stadium turf replacement.
In an effort to have a new artificial playing surface installed prior to the 2019 NFL season, U.S. Bank Stadium owner Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority (MSFA) advertised for proposals at the end of December. Proposals will be submitted in the coming weeks, with the goal being to select the winning bid by March and install the new artificial turf surface in May.
The exact cost of the turf replacement will not be determined until a contract is awarded, but the project will be financed through the stadium’s capital improvement account–which is funded by contributions from the MSFA and Vikings ownership. More from MPR News:
In a statement released to MPR News, the MSFA’s stadium management company SMG said it and the Vikings “determined we are approaching the time where the turf needs replacing” and that multiple bidders are expected.
“The periodic replacement of the artificial playing surface is part of the overall capital improvement plan for U.S. Bank Stadium and is typical for stadiums over time. This is to ensure the stadium remains safe and in top condition for all athletes,” the written statement said. “The frequency of each replacement fluctuates depending on the number of events and different uses of the playing surface.”
Lester Bagley, the Vikings executive vice president of public affairs, said the artificial turf typically has a three- to four-year lifespan.
“It’s just normal course of business, time to change it out and refresh and put some new turf in there,” he said.
U.S. Bank Stadium first opened in 2016. In its years of operation, the downtown Minneapolis facility has been an active venue aside from Vikings games, as it has also been used as a part-time home for the University of Minnesota’s baseball program, while also hosting soccer matches, concerts and more. It was also the site of last year’s Super Bowl LII, and will host the NCAA Men’s Final Four this spring.
Image courtesy Minnesota Vikings.