Last week I had a very special opportunity to be among the first people to get a behind-the-scenes look at the U.S. Bank Stadium construction site – the soon-to-be home of the Minnesota Vikings. I’m sure you have glimpsed the building progress while driving by on the highway. It’s so big that it’s hard to miss!
Before touring the construction site itself, we had a chance to see designs for the finished stadium, as well as mock-ups of some of the features that will be inside, like stadium seating and even one of the suites. The suite we checked out is a representation of what one of the Turf Suites will look like. The Turf Suites will be only 25 feet from the field, the closest suites to the field in the entire NFL! The suite itself actually has an outdoor patio where the floor is the Turf.
Then we made ourself to the construction site, which is a beehive of activity. We were able to see many parts of the stadium starting to come into place as construction is over 65% complete. The cement levels for seating are installed (although not the seats themselves) so it gives you a bit of an idea of what it will be like to actually sit and watch a game. Did I mention that the stadium is HUGE?!?! At this point there are no elevators or escalators yet installed, so we did a lot of stair climbing during our visit – great workout!
I also love that there is a great view of downtown Minneapolis from the stadium. I can’t wait to see the finished product and how it fits in as a piece of the city.
After our tour, we boarded buses to Mankato, home of Vikings Training Camp. We had a beautiful day weather-wise and there were lots of fans on hand to watch the players.
Our group had the option of watching the team in air-conditioned comfort through the side of the VIP tent made entirely of glass windows, or from the exterior patio. We even had a chance to go on the field itself to watch training close-up. To end the day with a bang, Vikings linebacker Chad Greenway stopped by to sign autographs and take photos.
It was a super fun day and I have to give a BIG thank you to U.S. Bank for letting me be a part of it. Go Vikings!
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Hi, I’m Chrysa, the owner and editor of ThriftyMinnesota.com. I’m here along with my friends Kristi and Laura to share fun and thrifty ways for you and your family to enjoy all the awesome things Minnesota has to offer!
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
That is so cool. We watch the Patriots train every year and love it.
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
How cool! That stadium is going to be amazing when it’s completed.
Shop with Me Mama says
How exciting to be able to experience that! And whoa, the stadium is gonna be so cool!!!!
Marcie W. says
I am a football fanatic so consider this a fantastically fun experience! With Bridgewater doing better and AP back the Vikings could very well be a dominant team this year.
Debbie Denny says
That does look like fun. Fantastic experience.
Liz Mays says
It seems like they’re making lots of progress. It’s cool that you were able to see visit the training camp too!
Valerie says
This is so neat! I bet it will be so cool to see the stadium when it is all finished since you saw it while being built!
Toni | Boulder Locavore says
This looks like such a cool experience. My husband would love something like this.
Felicia says
What an awesome experience! This place looks like so much fun.
Sabrina @ Dinner, then Dessert says
What an exciting event for a fan to attend! It’s nice to see the Vikings reach out to local bloggers!
Debbie @ Girl Raised in the South says
Wow, look at that! It’s amazing what we can dream up and then build, that thing is HUGE!
Jeanine says
This is super cool and exciting. I’m not a football fan but even I think I would enjoy this. Looks like you had a great time!
Tracey says
What a fun event! I would have loved to be front and centre at this one. Looks like you had a blast!
Rosey says
How fun that you got a behind-the scenes peek. I think this is exciting too.
Chasing Joy says
What a cool outing for you. I’m sure the stadium will be beautiful. Our baseball team’s (The Philies) stadium has an awesome view of the center city Philadelphia skyline.
vanessa: BriteandBubbly says
What a great event to see the before while it’s being built. It’s going to surely look amazing when it’s finally done. Looks like you had a great time!
Ann Bacciaglia says
This would be a fantastic way to spend the day. It looks like you had a fantastic time.
Amy @ Marvelous Mommy says
That’s awesome getting to see the process. That stadium is going to be huge!
Ora Lee Gurr says
How awesome to visit US Bank Stadium and see the Viking’s new home under construction. I haven’t been to Mankato in years, but it still looks beautiful in your picture. I’m glad you got to have such a nice adventure and share it with us.
Shell says
Wow, what an amazing experience! How neat to get to see behind the scenes.
Penelope says
I love that he stopped by to sign autographs, what a cool dude!
Amy Desrosiers says
It is so cool to see the entire process from start to finish! I think their new stadium looks super cool!
Christie says
Wow, this is such a neat looking stadium! Definitely a must see for any sports fan
Candy O says
What an awesome event! That stadiuum is going to be really nice.
Latoicha says
Wow! This stadium looks amazing. And how fun to meet players and get autographs. Fun times!