https://www.instagram.com/p/BIqwK8hhknY/?taken-by=jeffbjorlin
In case you missed it, a sellout crowd packed the U.S. Bank Stadium for its inaugural event Wednesday evening.
More than 64,000 people witnessed English Premier League soccer team Chelsea beat Italian side A.C. Milan 3-1.
But of more interest to many of those who went was getting the first look at a stadium that has taken three years and more than $1 billion to build as it held its first sporting event.
By the sounds of things, the reaction by most was a positive one once they got inside, but the evening wasn’t without some teething problems.
The Star Tribune said the event went as well as could be expected for a trial run, saying: “The operation wasn’t flawless, but nobody expected it would be. Many of the biggest things went well: The air inside was cool and fresh despite the staggering August heat outside. The 64,101 fans were mostly in their purple seats by the start of the game.
“…there was no doubt the building was the night’s MVP, with guests coming to see what can be built in 30 months with $1.1 billion. The consensus seemed to be: an impressive stadium.”
KARE 11 reported that some of the stadium’s vendors ran into problems – with some selling out of food by half-time. The popular burger and chicken joint Revival’s stadium outlet was among those reportedly short of supply.
The TV station also noted there were long lines getting into the stadium and congestion on the concourse.
Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority Chairperson Michele Kelm-Helgen told MPR that the soccer match highlighted several improvements that can be made before future events, including better directional signs being placed near the main entrance.
Vikings fans react – good and bad.
Taking note were the thousands of Vikings fans in attendance getting the first look at the franchise’s new home. Here are some of the responses on The Daily Norseman.
“The camera angles look like their (sic) going to be pretty good,” one commenter wrote. “Also, I love the fact that you can see the fans on TV. That way, you KNOW that the fans are right on top of the field.”
“The lighting was great (except for a few minutes when the sunlight was shining in my face),” another wrote, “the skyline looking through the windows was cool, and the video boards were awesome. I think anyone will enjoy watching a vikings game in there.”
But there were some negatives too, with one writing: “We had high expectations for the new stadium, but it seemed like the ghost of the Metrodome. There is way too much concrete and gray paint on the inside, so the asthetics are a wash of drab laundry. The nicer areas are exclusive to those that can afford the club rooms and suites, but we did not have access to those areas.
“The rest of it is blah. The concourse for the third level is way too small for the number of people that were there, so it was nearly a safety hazard due to the excessive crowd trying to get some food. They absolutely packed us in there. I just hated it.”
Here’s some of the response on social media:
https://twitter.com/WTjern/status/761178511449198597
https://twitter.com/trillballins/status/761226161007525888
No matter how good the Vikings stadium looks, they still won't be able to beat the Packers.
— Max Stuckert (@StuckertMax24) August 4, 2016
https://twitter.com/araad1659/status/761190504151261185
Design makes me think of steampunk. Very cool. #USBankStadium #steampunk #ACMilan #Chelsea #football pic.twitter.com/TMshX4v810
— P Hansen (@pegstweetings) August 4, 2016
