Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority and Vikings evaluate design proposals
Together with the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority (MSFA), the Minnesota Vikings continue to evaluate the five architectural and engineering firms that submitted bids to design the new multi-purpose stadium in Downtown East Minneapolis.
Last week representatives from each of the firms made their pitch to members of the Vikings, including team owners Zygi, Mark and Leonard Wilf, and the MSFA.
The public then had an opportunity to hear directly from the firms and see their previous stadium projects in an open house at Mall of America Field last Thursday, Sept. 6. Now it is up to the Vikings and the Authority to jointly select the firm that will best design this State asset.
“We are very impressed with the knowledge, the expertise and the creativity of the five firms that presented their proposals last week,” said Vikings Vice President of Public Affairs and Stadium Development Lester Bagley. “Each of the firms is highly qualified and remains in contention for this project. We are completing our due diligence on all five candidates to ensure we select the right team to design this stadium.”
Included in the analysis is a look at each firm’s most relevant experience and qualifications, particularly with respect to multi-purpose venues, NFL requirements, sustainable design, cutting edge technology, and inclusion of women and minority-owned businesses.
The final decision will take all of the evaluations into consideration and will involve significant discussions between the Authority and the Vikings. While the selection of an architect will open the door to concepts and a vision for the new stadium, for now the focus remains solely on making the right decision.
“The Authority and the Vikings are spending the necessary time to review and select the best architectural team for the stadium and are anxious to move forward to keep the project on time and on budget,” said MSFA Chair Michele Kelm-Helgen. “We only have one chance to do this, and we want to ensure we select the right team to build this stadium that meets the needs of the community, the Vikings and all users of the facility.”
The final selection is expected by the MSFA’s next meeting on Friday, Oct. 5.
Vikings Submit Bid to Host Future Super Bowl
Recently, the Vikings submitted a bid to the National Football League to host the 2018, 2019 or 2020 Super Bowl at the new stadium. The issue will not be voted on by NFL owners until the spring of 2014, but the Vikings will immediately begin working with the City of Minneapolis, the business community and Meet Minneapolis, the city’s convention and visitors association, to aggressively pursue bringing this major event to our market.
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