MINNEAPOLIS — A plan to improve security at U.S. Bank Stadium is getting more expensive according to a new request from the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority (MSFA).
The MSFA announced Phase II of the permanent secured perimeter project at the stadium will cost around $62.3 million on Thursday.
Previous estimates from the MSFA suggested the price of Phase II was expected to cost around $48 million.
This money is in addition to the $15.7 million that has already been approved by the Minnesota Legislature for Phase I of the project.
According to the MSFA, Phase I includes the design and construction of a new system of anti-climbing fencing, crash-rated barriers, and other security improvements in the north, east and south portions of the stadium.
Phase I construction is underway and will be completed in 2024.
Phase II of the project will focus on the west side of the stadium, which includes the stadium’s Legacy Gate, Medtronic Plaza and Downtown East Plaza.
The MSFA said the security improvements will meet the SAFETY Act requirements from the Department of Homeland Security.
In a statement, the MSFA stated Phase II “exceeds the capability for the MSFA to fund with the stadium’s current funding mechanisms.”
The authority is now looking to Governor Walz and the Minnesota legislature to fund the project.
The MSFA “looks forward to further discussions with the Governor and legislative leaders to review and plan for ongoing needs”
Governor Walz said he isn’t surprised the Phase II estimates came in higher than expected.
He says he is open to a conversation with legislators and the MSFA regarding additional state money to pay for these upgrades.
“I look forward to working with them on it. I think this is just one of the things that happens and these costs in the world kind of going up. I am still a big believer that these are great facilities for Minnesota. They have the opportunity to have huge economic impacts and we’re willing to work together,” Walz says.
KARE 11 also reached out to several leaders in the state legislature to get their thoughts on this new funding request.
A spokesperson for Senate Republicans said leaders are requesting additional time to look through the proposal before issuing a formal comment.
KARE 11 also asked the MSFA for further explanation of why these security upgrades are needed at the stadium.
An MSFA spokesperson sent KARE 11 this detailed response explaining why maintaining the stadium’s “SAFETY Act Designation” is important:
For U.S. Bank Stadium, the SAFETY Act Designation means:
- Confirmation that our security program meets or exceeds a high standard of excellence;
- The offering of significant federal liability protections against third-party claims arising out of an act of terrorism;
- Support through ongoing dialogue and review with SAFETY Act reviewers;
- and confidence for best-in-class security experiences for fans, clients, promoters, vendors, public safety, and community members.
- The delay or decision not to pursue a permanent secured perimeter may cause a loss of ability for U.S. Bank Stadium to be awarded future designations.
Here is the full statement from the MSFA regarding Phase II of the project and the funding request:
At today’s meeting of the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority (MSFA), JE Dunn and The Tegra Group provided an update for Phase I of the permanent secured perimeter project, which is currently under construction. Phase I became fully funded with the appropriation of $15.7 million as a result of the 2023 legislative session. This phase of the permanent secured perimeter project covers the North, East, and South portions of the facility with the design and construction of a new system of anti-climb fencing, crash-rated barriers, and bollards. We are pleased that Phase I is on pace with the original timeline and is within the budget. The MSFA Board was also provided with a first look at Phase II of the permanent secured perimeter from the architectural firm, Populous. Phase II will finalize the permanent secured perimeter plan entirely by focusing on the west portion of the stadium perimeter near the stadium’s Legacy Gate, Medtronic Plaza, and Downtown East Plaza. Phase II will enhance public safety, preserve community access, meet the SAFETY Act requirements set forth by the Department of Homeland Security, and complete the vision for U.S. Bank Stadium. The permanent secured perimeter project will ultimately protect Minnesota’s asset and the important investment that the public made to create U.S. Bank Stadium, which has proven to be a successful economic generator for the State of Minnesota and the City of Minneapolis. With a cost estimate of $62.3 million, Phase II exceeds the capability for the MSFA to fund with the stadium’s current funding mechanisms. The MSFA is prepared for most routine, short-term capital improvement needs, but will need assistance on larger projects like the permanent secured perimeter. As stewards of this facility, the MSFA looks forward to further discussions with the Governor and legislative leaders to review and plan for ongoing needs in effort to maintain and preserve U.S. Bank Stadium as a world-class venue.
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