Report: Permanent fence to be built around U.S. Bank Stadium
Having opened in 2016, U.S. Bank Stadium has been one of the best stadiums in the National Football League. The Minnesota Vikings have a 32-17 regular season record in the building that is shaped like a Vikings ship.
The stadium is one of the most revered places in the city of Minneapolis. It even lights up purple at night.
On Thursday, the governing body of the stadium, the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority, approved moving forward with plans to put a fence around the stadium.
According to an article from local NBC affiliate KARE-11, it is an investment for both fan safety and the safety of the stadium.
“By entering into an agreement for these professional services, the MSFA intends to further explore specific concepts and estimated costs of a permanent secured perimeter,” the MFSA said in a statement. “Goals for the potential perimeter project include enhanced public safety, preservation of public access, and inclusion of public art.”
Lester Bagley who is the Vikings VP of public affairs, says that the fence is an investment in public safety.
“It focuses on the security issue, while not losing the great iconic design, and beauty of U.S. Bank Stadium,” Bagley said.
The installation of a fence was first recommended by homeland security in 2016 and Vikings have supported that idea since then. Finding the plan for the fence will take approximately a year according to Bagely
As far as who is going to pay for the fence? That hasn’t been decided as of yet. Taxpayers paid for $500 million of the project and sticking them with the bill wouldn’t be a great look.
Needless to say, the gameday experience will be forever changed once the fence goes up.
