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Dallas-based HKS Inc. was selected to design the new "People's Stadium" in Minneapolis, and there was a fair amount of discussion about 

 at the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority meeting last week. At least one stadium watcher praised the firm for its "third way," for coming up with some novel, flexible alternatives to the inflated, fixed roof at the Metrodome and a high-buck convertible version, like the retractable roofs in Dallas and Indianapolis. (That's the Irwin Seating Co. suite seats at HKS-designed Lucas Oil Stadium above)

But drill way, way down into the design services contract -- down to page 108. There, you'll find this curiosity - a list of 34 contractor tasks for various bits and pieces of the stadium design. Here's the list:

HKS, as you might expect, is taking the first job on the list -- architect. But in the contract, they're also tabbed for the LAST item, "demographic analysis for premium product."

That's a fairly cryptic listing -- much as the Vikings have been cryptic about what may be one of the 

. They've said they haven't decided yet whether it's something Minnesota Vikings fans will buy. But team vice president Lester Bagley says the design contract doesn't have code for PSL's buried in the fine print.

That "demographic analysis for premium product" then?

"It's actually one of the services that set them apart," Bagley said. He cited the market studies in Indianapolis and Dallas. In Indy, the firm found a smaller, 8-person suite would make a good "product" to offer at Lucas Oil Stadium. "They measure the market and try to understand the what the demand will be for various seating and hospitality options," Bagley said. "And we're very interested in that."

Here's the the contract, in all its fine print glory:

Minnesota News

The Cities Blog

Tim Nelson

Author

Before they draw the stadium, architects will take fans' measure

The fine print on HKS and a new stadium for the Vikings

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