The turf reportedly will be paid for with money already in the building’s capital reserve fundGETTY IMAGES
The Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority "formally requested proposals from companies to install some 100,000 square feet of new turf to replace the greenery" now in place at U.S. Bank Stadium at a cost of at least $1M, according to Rochelle Olson of the Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE. When the current turf was laid down in '16, then-MSFA Exec Dir Michele Kelm-Helgen said that its life cycle "was eight to 10 years and that it came with an eight-year warranty." However, Vikings Exec VP/Public Affairs Lester Bagley said that the turf replacement is part of "routine maintenance necessitated by the 'wear and tear caused by heavier use of the stadium.'" Bagley said that the turf will be "paid for with money already in the building’s capital reserve fund." Olson notes the Vikings and taxpayers each deposit $1.5M into the fund annually, so there is "cash on hand when work needs to be done." U.S. Bank Stadium will undergo at least $6M in "renovations and enhancements, including the new turf, before the Vikings play there again later this year" (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 1/3).
