U.S. Bank Stadium makes its debut with another kind of football
Vikings fans are counting down the days until their team takes the field for the first time at the new U.S. Bank Stadium. They play their first preseason home game Aug. 28.
But on Wednesday night, the stadium got its first big test with a different kind of football — a European soccer exhibition game.
England's Chelsea Football Club beat AC Milan 3-1 before more than 64,000 fans.
The public got its first glimpse of the stadium in July. But Wednesday night was its first sports event, and the first true test of how the building — and its staff — could handle a sellout crowd.
Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority Chairperson Michele Kelm-Helgen said the debut went well; however, she said the building needs better directional signs at the main entrance.
Stadium staff have several more opportunities to tweak things before the Vikings take the field.
Country star Luke Bryan performs the first concert at the venue Aug. 19. The next day, it's Metallica.
Create a More Connected Minnesota
MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.