The beautiful new Minnesota Vikings stadium set to open in the summer of 2016 will feature a “museum-like” art gallery on the inside.
U.S. Bank Stadium’s interior will be decorated with art from a group of 34 local artists, the Vikings announced Monday. The artists were picked from an initial list of more than 1,100 applicants.
Carl Eller, the Hall of Fame defensive end who played for the Vikings from 1964-1978, is included in that select company.
Eller, a six-time Pro Bowl player and five-time First-Team All Pro, is also a ceramics artist, the Star Tribune reports, and his Minnesota lakes sculpture will be on display in the stadium.
Northland’s News Center recently noted that Eller considers himself a novice, although he sells his art at fairs.
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“Soliciting and funding this collection of art from Minnesotans is another way to connect with the community in a very unique way that not only Vikings fans, but all stadium users, can enjoy,” said Vikings Owner/President Mark Wilf.
The Star Tribune says the types of art will vary, but it all fits one of three themes: State geography; landmarks and people; Vikings/Minnesota sports teams.
The Vikings and Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority partnered with Sports & The Arts in an effort to build a “museum-like” art gallery in the stadium. Sports & The Arts has worked in new stadiums for many professional sports teams, including new builds for the San Francisco 49ers, Miami Marlins and New York Yankees, among others.
