U.S. Bank Stadium to open doors to runners, skaters

U.S. Bank Stadium
Filel photo of the U.S. Bank Stadium before an NFL football game between the Minnesota Vikings and the Green Bay Packers, Sept. 18, 2016, in Minneapolis.
Andy Clayton-King | AP File

U.S. Bank Stadium will open in December for runners and in-line skaters, continuing a tradition that started at the Metrodome before it was torn down, officials said Friday.

Skaters will have use of the main lower level concourse starting Dec. 13 and continuing for 15 more dates until mid-March. Those in motion will enjoy a full 360-degree view of the new stadium, said stadium authority chairperson Michele Kelm-Helgen.

"In the old dome with those brick walls, you couldn't see anything in the stadium," she said. "Now you've got these open bowl views. I think it'll be really fun."

Unlike skating in the Metrodome, rental equipment won't be available, and the skating and running will happen simultaneously on different floors, rather than at different times.

Skating at the Metrodome happened on two levels, one fast and one slower, and stadium officials are still figuring out how to accommodate everyone on a single concourse. They're also replacing some expansion joint covers to make the floor smoother.

Runners can expect a $3 fee per session, although a price hasn't been set for skating.

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