First the Minnesota Vikings played their home games at the dearly departed old Metropolitan Stadium. Then along came the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, which fully took the team inside and out of the winter elements. Now on the horizon for the team’s new stadium is the largest transparent roof in the world designed to overcome climate challenges while providing an outdoor feel.
The Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority (MSFA), the Minnesota Vikings and HKS Sports & Entertainment Group have together unveiled the design of the State’s new multipurpose stadium. The design package will now be submitted to the Minneapolis Stadium Implementation Committee and the City of Minneapolis for review.
“We wanted a design that encourages a connection into the neighborhoods, that will spur economic development and that will act as a destination rather than a barrier.”
“We wanted a design that encourages a connection into the neighborhoods, that will spur economic development and that will act as a destination rather than a barrier,” said Michele Kelm-Helgen, chair of the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority. “The design, the amount of glass and light and the transparency makes this an iconic building that will attract a Super Bowl, NCAA basketball and baseball tournaments, world class concerts and other great events. The benefits to the state’s economy will be incredible.”
With ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) on the roof’s southern half, fans will feel as if they are sitting outside without being exposed to the elements. Sustainable characteristics will be utilized to produce lower operating costs in winter and summer. HKS said that the stadium’s sloped roof will be the most efficient roof structure in the United States, even considering the snow‐loading requirements with Minnesota’s climate. Heating technology is reported to be involved.
Groundbreaking for the 65,000‐seat stadium will take place in October 2013, and demolition of the Metrodome will begin early in 2014. The new stadium is scheduled to be open in time for the Vikings 2016 season.
“The design reflects the true story of the Minnesota community with its international style driven by climatic response and energy conservation,” said Bryan Trubey, design principal, HKS Sports & Entertainment Group. “The interior volume makes it the most versatile, multi‐use building in the country with the most advanced digital age technology.”
photo credit: kevinthoule via photopin cc
