4In the summer of 2016, the State of Minnesota and the Minnesota Vikings football team will unveil a new, state-of-the-art stadium in Minneapolis. More than a monument to football, U.S. Bank Stadium stands as a community space that hosts a range of events and activities, reinvigorating a long-neglected area of downtown. U.S. Bank Stadium provides a comprehensive inside look at all that went into building the largest construction project in state history--what makes it a distinctive football facility, and what it means for Minnesota. Author Steve Berg describes the complicated and controversial history and path to approval; the various design concepts and innovations; the many phases of construction; the stadium's place as a civic asset and its statewide legacy; and the full celebration of the facility's grand opening. The book features profiles of and interviews with the central figures in U.S. Bank Stadium's development, from architects and engineers to construction workers and groundskeepers, as well as players, fans, and community leaders. The book is heavily illustrated with design drawings and plans; construction photos chronicling everything from groundbreaking to opening day; detailed images of the stadium's features and amenities; behind-the-scenes shots of the stadium operation; and game-day photos of fans, players, vendors, and more.