Vikings Stadium Construction 65 Percent Complete
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- U.S. Bank Stadium hit several milestones on Monday.
The stadium is 65 percent complete, and it's one year away from being totally done.
In the morning, reporters got a closer look at the progress being made at the stadium, including the installation of the U.S. Bank Stadium sign.
Each day, there are 1,200 men and women working hard to keep the completion of the stadium on schedule.
"We are excited from ownership on down, but mostly excited for our fans, because it's going to be a fun experience on game day," said Michele Kelm-Helgen, the chair of the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority.
GALLERY: U.S. Bank Stadium Construction
The roof ridge is now supporting its own weight. And one of the largest cranes in the world has finished its work at the site. The ETFE material that will make up 60 percent of the roof will let in light like glass would, and it is currently being installed.
"[Fans will] see sun. They'll see sky. They'll feel like they're outside. But if it's winter, they'll be warm," Kelm-Helgen said.
The outdoor feel will be much different than what the Metrodome offered. Another difference will be the sound. The Metrodome was loud but U.S. Bank Stadium could be even louder.
"We got a 40 peregrine hard deck and 60 percent clear [in the new stadium], and that 60 percent clear roof is acoustically reflective so the sound will bounce down. We are confident it's going to be loud," said Lester Bagley, the executive vice president of the Minnesota Vikings.
The stadium is approaching 40,000 seat commitments.
They can sell up to 49,000, so Bagley said the team is ahead of schedule.
Officials said part of the goal when the stadium was being planned was to attract business around the stadium as well.
So far, they say about a $1 billion of construction is taking place around the stadium for other companies.
Those companies are hoping to take advantage of not only Vikings games, but also the Super Bowl in 2018 and the Final Four in 2019.
