TCF Bank Stadium and the Metrodome are possible sites for World Cup soccer in 2018 and 2022. A Minneapolis bid is among a long list of American cities interested in bringing matches here.
Gophers’ athletic director Joel Maturi said TCF Bank Stadium is also a possible location for soccer if Chicago receives the 2016 Olympics.
Maturi said the athletic department hasn’t lost any previously committed purchasers of premium seating at TCF Bank Stadium because of the new policy not to provide alcohol anywhere in the facility. “It’s been far more positive than we expected,” he said.
There are five suites in the new stadium that haven’t been sold and about 150 indoor club seats remaining, according to Maturi. He also said demand for seating during the first season could result in temporary bleachers being set up along the sidelines, accommodating a few hundred fans.
Last spring the state enacted legislation requiring that alcohol be made available to the general public at the stadium, not just in premium seating areas as had been University policy. The legislature deserves criticism for micro-managing on this issue when there are so many more important problems to address. Thumbs down, too, for the legislature’s silly approval of making hockey the official state sport. Effective public policy encourages and celebrates diversity including for all sports and participants.
Bill Lester, executive director of the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission, didn’t have an announcement date or cost but said sometime this fall details will be released on a proposed “reconstructed” Metrodome. He said the proposal details will include a retractable roof on the facility.
Lester said the Metrodome will remain a multipurpose facility and sightlines for football will be similar to what they are. A redesign would place emphasis on making the stadium a better home for the Vikings while accommodating NCAA basketball tournaments and amateur baseball.
Seating capacity for football is expected to be about 65,000, a slight increase from now, according to Lester. He also said that while a funding partner hasn’t been officially determined to pay for a reconstructed stadium it’s clear to him that the state is the “primary beneficiary” of such a facility that keeps the Vikings here and continues to host other major events that generate tax dollars.