The Minnesota Vikings accelerated the build-out of two existing unfinished shell spaces in U.S. Bank Stadium to enable them to be open for the 2016 pre-season. Generator Studio was brought on board in November of 2015 to brainstorm ways to utilize the existing shell spaces. The fit-out was completed in 3 months.
The majority of the scope focused on providing a previously missing premium seating product in the stadium: large group sales. That scope was completed in a 17,500 SF shell space on Upper Suite Level, and is shared by four clients; making flexibility a requirement that was ultimately achieved via operable partitions and extensive audio visual systems. The integration of technology as part of the architecture allowed the team to incorporate subtle sponsorships and tailored branding opportunities for corporate or sponsored events.
The design solution was inspired by Minnesota, specifically local materials and native culture. The balance of rugged and polished materials defines the experience through a simple palette: steel, wood, and light. Nods to the northern lights, cabins at the lake, and a hunting lodge occur, manifested as four 60 person cabins and a mini-club named “The Lodge.”
The space culminates in a new signature 130 linear-foot membership bar, dubbed the “Truss Bar” due to its proximity to the super truss that inspired the stadium’s form. A new bridge provides secondary access to the Truss Bar and upper suite corridor from the existing escalator mezzanine platform, eliminating an 800 foot walk.
Generator also designed a new expansive suite for the Vikings cheerleaders and other fan experience crews on Event Level. The primary goal of that fit-out scope was to make the Vikings competitive with other franchises in terms of available space, level of finish, and amenities. Spa like materials were used in the cheerleaders suite, with Vikings branding elements like purple accent tile, purple lighting in the locker room, and the most unique feature of the space- a hand blown purple glass chandelier.