Final Seats Being Installed In U.S. Bank Stadium
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – Construction crews are nearing the home stretch in completing U.S. Bank Stadium as the final seats are being installed this week.
The Minnesota Vikings announced Tuesday that more than 58,000 fixed seats and nearly 6,000 retractable seats have been installed in the downtown Minneapolis stadium, which, at capacity, can hold more than 66,000 people.
Michele Kelm Helgen, the chair of the Minnesota Sports Facility Authority, said in a statement that the seating in U.S. Bank Stadium will have some of the best sightlines for football, as well as other events, like concerts.
"The seats are wider with more legroom and I think event goers will all be pleased," she added.
The Vikings say that during games the stadium's seats will be just 41 feet from the sidelines – the closest to the field of any stadium in the NFL.
"This seating design gives U.S. Bank Stadium an intimate feel despite its size and will enhance the home field advantage as our fans will nearly be on top of the playing field," said Vikings owner Mark Wilf, in a statement.
The north side of the stadium will have retractable seating, which will allow the building to be reconfigured for college and high school sports games, as well as other events.
The stadium's grand opening is slated for late July.