US Bank Stadium, the new downtown residence of the Minnesota Vikings, is nearing completion. The Vikings recently received the “keys to the stadium,” after substantial completion of construction on June 17, 2016, and set artists to work painting murals. An official ribbon cutting ceremony has been set for July 22, 2016, followed by open houses the next few days. August 3rd will mark the first date of events at the stadium, as AC Milan and Chelsea F.C. play backups in the 2016 International Champions Cup. Typical of the Vikings to play the worst kind of football to open the stadium.
Meanwhile, word has come down that the new stadium will permit a number of local breweries to sell craft digs at events, a big step up from the offerings at the Metrodome. The “mall” area between the stadium and downtown’s high rises is also coming together.
In other news, two contractors face $173,000 in work safety fines following the death of workers on the stadium.