US Bank Stadium opened on July 22, 2016
US Bank Stadium, home of the Minnesota Vikings, held its first regular-season game on September 18, 2016, though the facility itself was completed and began hosting events in July of that year. The stadium cost $1.061 billion to build and replaced the Metrodome, which had been the Vikings' home since 1982. Construction took roughly three years, beginning in late 2013.
The stadium was built in Minneapolis with funding from a combination of public bonds, Minnesota state tax credits, and private investment from the Vikings ownership. The name rights were purchased by US Bank, a Minneapolis-based financial institution, in a long-term sponsorship deal. The stadium's opening marked a significant shift in how fans would pay for tickets, concessions, and parking at Vikings games.
Key Takeaways
- US Bank Stadium opened in July 2016 and hosted its first Vikings game in September 2016, replacing the Metrodome as the team's home.
- The stadium cost $1.061 billion and was funded through a mix of public bonds, state tax credits, and private investment.
- US Bank purchased the naming rights through a long-term sponsorship agreement with the Vikings organization.
- The stadium's opening introduced modern payment infrastructure for tickets, concessions, and parking that differs from the older Metrodome system.
How the stadium's opening changed payment methods for Vikings fans
When US Bank Stadium opened, it introduced a more modern payment ecosystem than the Metrodome had offered. The new facility was built with digital ticketing systems, mobile payment options at concession stands, and cashless parking payment methods from the start. Fans could purchase tickets through Ticketmaster's digital platform rather than relying solely on box office windows.
The concession stands inside the stadium were equipped to accept credit cards, debit cards, and mobile wallet payments like Apple Pay and Google Pay. This was a significant change from older stadiums, where cash remained the primary payment method at many food and beverage locations. The parking lots surrounding the stadium also shifted to digital payment systems, allowing fans to pay for parking through mobile apps or card readers rather than cash-only booths.
Ticket pricing and payment options at opening
When the stadium opened in 2016, ticket prices for Vikings games ranged widely depending on the seat location and opponent. Regular-season games typically started at around $40 to $50 for upper-level seats, while premium seating could exceed $200 per ticket. Fans could purchase tickets through Ticketmaster, the official ticket vendor, using credit or debit cards online, by phone, or at the box office.
The stadium also introduced dynamic pricing for certain games, meaning ticket prices fluctuated based on demand. High-profile matchups or playoff games commanded higher prices than games against less popular opponents. All ticket purchases through Ticketmaster included processing fees, which were added to the base ticket price at checkout.
Concession and parking payment systems
Inside the stadium, concession stands accepted multiple payment methods from opening day. Fans could pay with Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover cards, as well as mobile payment apps. The stadium did not require a minimum purchase amount for card payments, so even a single drink or snack could be purchased with a card rather than cash.
Parking around the stadium was managed through a combination of digital payment systems. Fans could pay for parking through the Vikings' official mobile app, through third-party parking apps, or at physical payment kiosks in the lots. Prices varied by lot location and event type, typically ranging from $15 to $30 for regular-season games. Pre-purchasing parking through the app often provided a discount compared to paying at the lot on game day.
Construction timeline and funding sources
Construction of US Bank Stadium began in December 2013 and was completed in July 2016. The project was funded through multiple sources: Minnesota state tax credits provided roughly $500 million, public bonds covered another portion, and the Vikings organization contributed private investment. The total cost of $1.061 billion made it one of the most expensive stadiums built at that time.
The funding structure meant that Minnesota taxpayers contributed to the project through state tax credits, while the Vikings organization and private investors covered the remainder. This mixed-funding model was typical for major sports facilities built during that era. The stadium's design included modern infrastructure for payment processing, security, and crowd management from the ground up.
How payment systems have evolved since 2016
Since opening in 2016, US Bank Stadium has continued to upgrade its payment infrastructure. Mobile ticketing through the Vikings' official app became the standard method for most fans, reducing reliance on printed tickets. The stadium expanded its mobile wallet acceptance to include newer payment methods and contactless card technology.
Concession stands have gradually shifted toward cashless-only operations during peak times, particularly after 2020. The stadium also introduced mobile ordering systems that allow fans to order food and drinks through their phones and pick them up at designated locations, paying digitally before they leave their seats. Parking payment systems have become more integrated with the Vikings' mobile app, allowing fans to extend their parking time remotely without returning to their vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still pay cash at US Bank Stadium?
Cash is accepted at some locations, but the stadium has moved toward cashless operations in many areas. Concession stands, parking, and most vendor locations prefer card or mobile payments. It is best to bring a credit or debit card to avoid delays or limited options.
What payment methods does the stadium accept for tickets?
Ticketmaster accepts all major credit cards, debit cards, and digital wallets. You can purchase tickets online, by phone, or at the box office. Mobile tickets can be transferred to other people through the Ticketmaster app.
Are there fees added to ticket purchases?
Yes. Ticketmaster adds processing fees to all online and phone purchases. These fees vary but typically range from a few dollars to 10 percent of the ticket price, depending on the event and ticket type. Box office purchases may have lower or no fees.
How much does parking cost and how do I pay?
Parking typically costs $15 to $30 depending on the lot and event. You can pay through the Vikings mobile app, third-party parking apps, or at physical kiosks in the lots. Pre-purchasing through the app often costs less than paying on game day.
What should I do if my card is declined at a concession stand?
Try a different card or payment method if you have one available. If all your cards are declined, contact your bank to check for fraud alerts or insufficient funds. Some concession stands have ATMs nearby if you need to withdraw cash, though this is becoming less common.