Vikings Stadium Miscellaneous Discussion

[Didier]

The screen in Dallas is terrible and fans complain that it's too big and distracting. Fully agree that it would ruin the open-air feel as well.

[Didier]

I should also say that there was discussion a few pages back about an ESPN.com article saying the NCAA is considering dropping the domed-stadium approach to the Final Four.

I'd just like to clarify that the article pretty explicitly said the NCAA was looking into it but a change is not likely.

[Didier]

In addition, the Pioneer Press has a report from last night's public meeting. Sounds like it's basically a formality where fans can show up and throw out off-the-wall ideas that will be ignored. Curiously, no John is quoted in the story

http://www.twincities.com/localnews/ci_ ... deas-teams

[Lancestar2]

ok, here is what I don't get about the people who post on this forum (in general) everyone talks so much about wanting density density density walk-able streets and a urban environmental! Well what the heck is going on in this thread that everyone disregards the issues they talk so much about in other threads??

The metrodome is a awful feature when it comes to making downtown walkable. Has anyone ever suggested "hey lets get rid of the tailgating" nope because making the stadium area increase in density would mean no tailgating

BUT when it comes to talking about having parking spaces somewhere else downtown anyone who suggests such an idea is considered an "evil surburbianist" I noticed the rendering is surrounded by a sea of parking lots!

Here is my big idea. The Stadium should have a SMALL underground parking lot for employees, staff teams ect ect. and then buy a nice big parking lot outside of downtown! then shuttle everyone in via bus and with LRT/North Star and local buses everyone should be able to get to the stadium just fine!

but of course most people disagree with me so GO AHEAD and argue why we need to preserve a open lot to allow game go'ers to sit in the back of the pickup truck and grill food downtown

I think ALL the surrounding parking lot spaces should be developed into hotels, residental, and commerical buildings with tons of retail! it would be exciting and fun to see that space go to something urban!!

[FISHMANPET]

Uh, have you read anything in this thread? There have been plenty of people complaining about having an empty see of parking around the stadium.

[nasa35]

ok, here is what I don't get about the people who post on this forum (in general) everyone talks so much about wanting density density density walk-able streets and a urban environmental! Well what the heck is going on in this thread that everyone disregards the issues they talk so much about in other threads??

The metrodome is a awful feature when it comes to making downtown walkable. Has anyone ever suggested "hey lets get rid of the tailgating" nope because making the stadium area increase in density would mean no tailgating

BUT when it comes to talking about having parking spaces somewhere else downtown anyone who suggests such an idea is considered an "evil surburbianist" I noticed the rendering is surrounded by a sea of parking lots!

Here is my big idea. The Stadium should have a SMALL underground parking lot for employees, staff teams ect ect. and then buy a nice big parking lot outside of downtown! then shuttle everyone in via bus and with LRT/North Star and local buses everyone should be able to get to the stadium just fine!

but of course most people disagree with me so GO AHEAD and argue why we need to preserve a open lot to allow game go'ers to sit in the back of the pickup truck and grill food downtown

I think ALL the surrounding parking lot spaces should be developed into hotels, residental, and commerical buildings with tons of retail! it would be exciting and fun to see that space go to something urban!!

Why do we need bike lanes? Why do we need LRT? Really? If you didn't want what comes with a football stadium you should have fought for a different site; like Arden Hills. In the back of a pick-up truck? Is that a joke, ignorance or just another snide and demeaning comment, typical of the downtowners?

Are any of you even going to be at any of the games? Why not just appreciate the ongoing suburban subsidizing of downtown Minneapolis.

[John]

In addition, the Pioneer Press has a report from last night's public meeting. Sounds like it's basically a formality where fans can show up and throw out off-the-wall ideas that will be ignored. Curiously, no John is quoted in the story

http://www.twincities.com/localnews/ci_ ... deas-teams

Had other obligations. I intend to send my thoughts via email directly to the architect. I promise not to repeat myself too much!

[LRV Op Dude]

New Vikings Stadium Comes With Accessibility Concerns

Among the concerns raised was a perceived lack of inclusion by the disability community so far in the design process.

"When you design and construct to minimum standards, everybody suffers," explained Margot Imdieke Cross, accessibility specialist at the Minnesota State Council on Disability, in an interview.

[Lancestar2]

Why do we need bike lanes? Why do we need LRT? Really? If you didn't want what comes with a football stadium you should have fought for a different site; like Arden Hills. In the back of a pick-up truck? Is that a joke, ignorance or just another snide and demeaning comment, typical of the downtowners?

Are any of you even going to be at any of the games? Why not just appreciate the ongoing suburban subsidizing of downtown Minneapolis.

um... can you "tailgate" from the back of a mini cooper? nope your gonna need a pickup truck! or a large size van with trailer ect ect. If you wanna tail gate that's fine just do it in a parking lot outside of downtown then take a nice warm cozy bus to the game when your ready to go in!

Regardless of the location Arden Hills would of had more space yes that is true but at the end of the day the location is going to be downtown Minneapolis where property value is sky high and could be so much better used than a flipping parking lot! Plus we have a huge parking ramp to the west that could also shuttle game goers.

and to answer your question nope I most likely never attend a game or visit the stadium. I don't see the slight value of watching people play a sport on tv or in a seat in a huge stadium. Especially when that team has a dominate history of partying and getting arrested and set awful example for young impressionable children. Of course I understand my personal views are the rarity in modern day society lol. Also I don't intend to make anyone feel like Im trying to be demeaning in my comment or insulting and I apologize If you felt I was being so.

I have nothing against tail-gating however I just don't think it would be a good use of space! Simply put including parking lots into the new stadium plan is as huge miss use of space as allowing people to park there trucks on the Nicollet ave and start tail gating there too!

but here is a great idea!! why not allow tailgating in the Kmart parking lot! (I mean it's not like actual shoppers are gonna use it! ) with game day shuttle buses ever 15min before and after the game. Seems like a good solutuion to me! or what about allowing tailgating on the top floor (AKA roof level ONLY!) of the parking ramp behind Target center (again shuttles ever 15min) of course have a fireman on sight to make sure everybody is safe blah blah blah. Plus the tailgaters would have a better view! haha

ok.. now go ahead and tell me why this is an awful idea...

[PhilmerPhil]

Edit: double post

[PhilmerPhil]

I really like the idea of shifting tailgating to public on street parking spaces and closing off streets to allow for railgating and other forms of outdoor parting involving grilling and beer without the use of automobiles.

It seems like this is something the city is actively trying to move towards.

nasa35, just curious how you feel about that? Can tailgating be reimagined to better use space and allow successful urban growth while still allowing out of towners to come to Minneapolis and have a blast on game days?

[nordeast homer]

Phil - I understand where the city is trying to go with the "railgating", but people are already spending hundreds of dollars just to get into the the freaking building, the last thing they want to do is spend $8 bucks per beer and $10 for a small sandwich when they can tailgate and bring their own for a fraction of the price. Tailgating isn't just about whooping it up before the game, it's also about saving a buck or two by not having to buy the stuff inside. It's one of the few chances (along with the state fair) for Minnesotan's to act like rednecks.

[Tyler]

Hmmm... interesting take. I think a lot of the food trucks offer amazing value. Not exactly the same as pulling out the lawn chairs and grill, however.

[Didier]

I think there will always need to be some mix of traditional tailgating, but the option of railgating and tailgating on public streets could definitely limit the need for traditional tailgating space.

One thing to keep in mind, too, is that tailgating is already limited to a handful of the available surface lots. People pack the Star Tribune lot and others right around the stadium, but many of the existing surface lots are just used for parking.

As far as money goes, it's already upwards of $40 — sometimes significantly higher — to get a tailgate parking spot around the dome, so buying from food trucks isn't necessarily an added cost.

[PhilmerPhil]

Phil - I understand where the city is trying to go with the "railgating", but people are already spending hundreds of dollars just to get into the the freaking building, the last thing they want to do is spend $8 bucks per beer and $10 for a small sandwich when they can tailgate and bring their own for a fraction of the price. Tailgating isn't just about whooping it up before the game, it's also about saving a buck or two by not having to buy the stuff inside. It's one of the few chances (along with the state fair) for Minnesotan's to act like rednecks.

Food trucks are only a part of a potential solution. What I am also suggesting is allowing cars to come into downtown by, say, 9am, and park diagonally on the street, then at 10am, the street is barricaded and becomes a temporary plaza that allows people to tailgate more traditionally. There are some pretty major "barricades" to this solution, however. (Pun intended.) Several laws and ordinances would have to be changed.

[nordeast homer]

I can't find anything objectionable about that from a tailgaters perpective. Security-wise there may be a need to have a patrol keep any eye on things, right now I believe some of the lots will have a security officer periodically check to make sure things aren't getting out of hand. I'm also assuming that there would be a fee to enter the area as there would be for any other parking spot.
Did you have any particular streets in mind?

[John]

Unfortunately ,I was not able to attend the meeting earlier this week for public feedback on the design for the new stadium. However, I did send this email to Mark Williams via HKS. In addition to my ideas, I was considering some of the comments posted on MSP:

Hello, My name is John ****. I am a 30 year resident of downtown Minneapolis . I was not able to attend your recent meeting for public feedback on the design of the new Viking's Stadium, however, I wanted to send you a few comments on what I feel would make a great sports facility for our city, especially from the exterior as it relates to the our community.

First of all, congratulations on being chosen to design our new stadium. I think the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority made a very wise and good decision to hire your acclaimed firm.

Here are my brief comments on how I feel the direction of the design for the new stadium should be pursued. Thank you for your consideration on this issue, and I applaud you for eliciting feedback from the community.

First, as long time resident of Minneapolis, I perceive the character of Minneapolis as clean, efficient, progressive, and contemporary. The architectural tradition here has quite a modernist attitude that should somehow be articulated in the character of our new stadium.

Second, I think our new stadium should be a more futuristic symbol of our city in the 21st century, rather than a historically referenced design of the past. While I do like newer buildings with historical references, I think a stadium that appeared more like the past would look awkward in our very modern, glassy, and contemporary skyline.

Third, I feel our new stadium should have a coloration that is warm and cheerful. We have very long, dark, cold winters, and a warm and glowing stadium would be a fantastic addition to our winter urban landscape.

Finally, I feel deeply that our new stadium should have a strong sense of transparency blurring the distinction between the interior and exterior. The facility should be visually engaged with the city from both the inside and outside. One of the biggest design flaws of our current stadium is its terrible fortress-like exterior, and our new stadium offers a once in a lifetime opportunity to build a facility with a good visual connection with the area surrounding it.

Once again, thank you for considering my ideas for the new Viking's Stadium and congratulations on being chosen to design our new facility! John ****

[PhilmerPhil]

Your last name is Vibrant?!

[nordeast homer]

Nice!!

[John]

Your last name is Vibrant?!

Not nearly as sexy!