The official ribbon cutting for U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis isn’t happening until July 22, which leaves the construction team a good chunk of time to finish the project.
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OSHA says Jeramie Gruber, 35, Faribault, and another man were installing a solid roof at the stadium in August when they fell and slid down the roof.
Originally scheduled to be completed on July 29, Mortenson Construction hit the milestone six weeks ahead of schedule. The first event is an worldwide soccer match on August 3. Their home opener in the regular season comes in Week Two when they host the Packers on Sunday night. Authorities held a groundbreaking ceremony on December 3, 2013, and the 1.75 million square-foot stadium was constructed in about 2½ years on the site of the old Metrodome.
The Vikings will take the field for their home opener on September 18 against the Green Bay Packers.
The stadium will also host the Super Bowl in 2018 and the NCAA men’s basketball Final Four in 2019.
Berwald Roofing Company of North St. Paul, which is a subcontractor on the project, has been cited by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration for a “willful” violation for failing to make sure 17 workers had fall protection. With seating for up to 70,000, the stadium features a fixed-roof design with the largest span of transparent ETFE material in the country; five large glass pivoting doors; zinc metal exterior panels; the closest seats to the field in the National Football League; seven levels connected by stairs, ramps, escalators and elevators; the first National Football League stadium built with LED lighting; increased and enhanced concessions; 2,000 HD flat screen TVs; and two concourses with 360-degree circulation and various views into the bowl.
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“The building is yours to occupy, use and play football”, said Mortenson Construction Senior Vice President John Wood, during the symbolic handoff.
