With U.S. Bank Stadium set to host the Final Four in 2019, the University of Minnesota will host a game at the stadium in December of 2017 according to Marcus Fuller of the Star Tribune.
Chair of the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority Michele Kelm-Helgren told the paper there are ongoing discussions with the U of M about playing a game against an opponent that has yet to be determined.
“The university is interested in finding a (prominent) opponent to showcase the stadium and the Gophers and see how everything lays out.” Kelm-Hglen said.
Minneapolis will host the Final Four in April of 2019 and NCAA officials would attend the warm-up game to make sure the arena meets basketball standards.
Currently, U.S. Bank does not own their own basketball court, meaning the facility would have to rent a floor to use. U.S. Bank seats 60,000 people; it’s unknown if the site would be able to accommodate that many for basketball.
The MSFA and U of M said they would like to have an opponent set by early 2017 at the latest.
