The NFL recently announced the selection of Minnesota to host Super Bowl LII in February 2018. The Big Game will be held at the new Minnesota Stadium, which is set to open in 2016.
“We appreciate the collaborative effort from Minnesota’s business and community leadership in putting together this winning bid,” said Vikings Owner/President Mark Wilf. “It was evident to me and my brother Zygi that the other NFL owners were extremely impressed with everything Minnesota had to offer, and we have no doubt they will be even more excited with what the community will deliver in February 2018.”
The Minneapolis Super Bowl Bid Committee delivered their presentation to the 32 NFL owners in a presentation on May 20 in Atlanta. The bid presentation followed the final bid submission on May 7 and detailed the new iconic stadium as a centerpiece. The committee also highlighted the bold moves Minnesotans have made in creating a destination city that is ready to host such an event.
“I’m most excited by the opportunity to show the world our community’s remarkable legacy project that will enhance the lives of Minnesota’s children and set a precedent for the future of the game,” said Marilyn Carlson Nelson, former chair and chief executive officer of Carlson Companies and bid committee co-chair. “It’s also a joy to know that the 29,000 hospitality workers in Minneapolis and many more throughout the region will be able to welcome the world to our state once again in 2018. The innovation, hospitality and boldness that are Minnesota will leave a mark on the NFL and the Super Bowl for many years to come.”
The new Minnesota Stadium will seat 65,400 normally, but will be expanded to 72,000 seats for the 2018 Super Bowl. The stadium will showcase a clear ETFE roof and five of the largest glass pivoting doors in the world creating an outdoor feel in a climate-controlled environment.
“Attending fans and the world will see the best of Minnesota – from the sunlit view of downtown Minneapolis through the stadium windows to the many activities happening throughout the region,” said Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority Chair Michele Kelm-Helgen. “The new stadium and adjacent two-block park that is being developed are incredible assets that will offer amazing fan experiences.”
“The Super Bowl is the most-watched annual event in the world,” said Doug Baker, chief executive officer of Ecolab and bid committee co-chair. “This unprecedented audience, along with the 100,000 people who come to experience it in person, will see this vibrant, engaged community that celebrates all that winter can be when we showcase everything from outdoor activities on Nicollet Mall’s Super Bowl Boulevard to an ice palace at the Saint Paul Winter Carnival. We plan to set the bar high for all northern destinations that host the Super Bowl.”
Minnesota beat out both New Orleans and Indianapolis for the chance to host Super Bowl LII.
