It’s 10 degrees above zero in Minnesota, but the fans and players at Super Bowl LII this Sunday won’t have to worry about it: a closed roof overhead at U.S. Bank Stadium will be keeping everyone cozy.
U.S. Bank Stadium, where the Eagles and Patriots will face off for Super Bowl LII. (Image courtesy of Nic Lehoux.)
Architectural firm HKS Sports and Entertainment, despite being based in Dallas, knew enough about cold weather to make the roof work in the North. The clear plastic ethylenetetrafluoroethylene(ETFE) top lets light in while keeping the elements out. While a retractable roof that is only opened about four to five times a year can cost $75 million to construct, the $1.13 billion stadium uses a fixed roof. Will the 70,000 fans think it’s worth it?
Designing a $1.13Billion Stadium
U.S. Bank Stadium is built on the same site as the Vikings’ old home, the Metrodome, but stands at twice the size. The inside is made up of wide concourses, high-tech lounges and five of the world’s largest pivoting doors.
These are the five largest pivoting doors in the world. (Image courtesy of Hannah Foslien/Getty Images.)
To improve getting to the stadium ahead of game time, the site is now better connected to Minneapolis’s transportation infrastructure so that fans and staff can walk for miles to the stadium without going into the open air. One-third of patrons are expected to hike to the stadium via public transit.
The new stadium features 8.5 miles of…