PVA Architecture Case Study: U.S. Bank Stadium
Minneapolis, MN
In addition to being home to the NFL’s Minnesota Vikings, U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis hosts home games for the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers football team and has served as the venue for national events including the 2018 Super Bowl, Summer X Games, NCAA Basketball Final Four, and NCAA Wrestling Championship.
The stadium includes state-of-the-art features such as the largest transparent roof in the United States, 95-foot glass doors that open to the Minneapolis skyline and provide open access to enter the facility, 2,100 HD televisions, large video boards, and Wi-Fi connectivity throughout the facility. U.S. Bank Stadium was designed by HKS Architects and opened in July 2016.
In planning for the new stadium, the Vikings’ ownership group established an access advisory group and reached out to local accessibility organizations for input. This attracted the attention of the Minnesota PVA Chapter, who then requested that the Vikings involve PVA Architecture in the stadium design process. We reviewed design drawings at multiple stages to improve accessibility throughout the venue.
Highlights:
66,400 seating capacity on seven levels, including 135 suites and 6 private club lounges.
360-degree concourses on two levels with views to the playing field in select locations.
Large main entrance plaza with public transportation station and vehicular drop-off area.
Adjustable lower-level seating provides flexibility to host events such as basketball or tennis with smaller courts.
20,000 parking spaces within a 20-minute walk of stadium entrances, including accessible parking in close proximity to stadium.
All levels include accessible seating, including adjacent companion seating.
Accessible seating areas enjoy enhanced clear sightlines to events.
Event floor offers equal access for events open to the public.
All concessions stands and bathrooms are fully accessible.
How PVA Improved Accessibility:
Accessible seating in the suites provide enhanced sightlines to stadium events, regardless of whether patrons in rows below are sitting or standing.
Design provided approximately 20% more accessible seating than required by code.
Accessible seating areas include a wider maneuvering platform than required by code.
Exterior curb-cuts and sidewalks are significantly wider than required by code.
Accessible benches were provided around the exterior of the stadium.
The vehicular drop-off area is covered on both sides of the vehicle, providing weather protection for a driver with disabilities to safely disembark from their vehicle.
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