Audubon to protest bird ‘death trap’ stadium design
The Minneapolis chapter of the Audubon Society is organizing a protest at the new Vikings stadium this weekend calling on the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority and the Minnesota Vikings to change the design of the new billion dollar stadium.
The stadium's open interior and lights may attract birds, who can be killed or injured when they fly into the transparent glass.
The Audubon Society wants the building to use so-called bird-safe glass because they say the transparent glass planned for the building now will pose a hazard to migrating birds in particular.
Stadium officials say they didn't budget for the glass, which can include a mesh or glaze to alert birds of the danger. They also say the transparency and outdoor feel of the building is one of its key amenities for fans.
The protest is scheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday near the Downtown East light rail stop in Minneapolis.