After just three years in their new residence, the Minnesota Vikings are in the market for new carpet this off-season.
According to MPR News, the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority is seeking bids for new synthetic turf at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. The company that will do the work should be selected by March, with installation scheduled for May.
MSFA's stadium management company SMG told MPR that it and the Vikings "determined we are approaching the time where the turf needs replacing" and that multiple bidders are expected.
"The periodic replacement of the artificial playing surface is part of the overall capital improvement plan for U.S. Bank Stadium and is typical for stadiums over time. This is to ensure the stadium remains safe and in top condition for all athletes," the written statement said. "The frequency of each replacement fluctuates depending on the number of events and different uses of the playing surface."
Lester Bagley, executive vice president for the Vikings, said that turf typically has a three- to four-year lifespan, depending on the number and types of events that take place in the stadium.
"It's just normal course of business, time to change it out and refresh and put some new turf in there," Bagley said.
The $1.1 billion U.S. Bank Stadium opened in July of 2016 and is set to host the 2019 NCAA Final Four basketball championship.
