While U.S. Bank Stadium’s final pieces (literally) fall into place, important questions—like, what’s there to eat?—are starting to be answered. On May 24 Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority, SMG, Minnesota Vikings and Aramark announced its first culinary partners’ food concepts that will be available once the stadium opens, officially for the first time on Aug. 3.
Carl Mittleman, president of Aramark Sports and Entertainment, says the new stadium will have a “world-class food and beverage experience,” and Jamie Hodgson, general manager of Aramark’s M Hospitality, says the culinary offerings will follow these three key principles: modern, memorable and Minnesota. The 1.75-million-square-foot facility will feature a total of 34 concession stands and 43 concession carts, but here’s what we know so far:
Andrew Zimmern, who’s been working with Aramark to develop the menu since the beginning, will have two offshoots of his AZ Canteen. AZC Rotisserie will serve rotisserie beef, goat, pork lamb and poultry by the pound or half pound, or chopped/pulled for sandwiches. Zimmern is partnering with Gavin Kaysen—whose restaurant Spoon and Stable has wooed Minnesota since it opened in fall 2014—in his second concept, AZC Hoagies. Italian meatball sausage, beef and roast pork sandwiches as well as bomboloni (Italian donuts) is just a taste of what’ll be on the menu. “I believe Gavin is one of the best chefs in the country and together we plan on revolutionizing the way fans enjoy their food at the stadium,” says Zimmern.
“Ikes and Vikes!” pithily proclaims Gene Winstead, owner of Ike’s Food & Cocktails and mayor of Bloomington. Among Ike’s beloved variety of classic American favorites, you’ll find the epic Weekender Bloody Mary, complete with garnishments that (could) equal a meal.
Revival has taken Minneapolis by storm with its quaint southern-style restaurant in south Minneapolis, and that same quality fried chicken will be served on a much larger scale at the stadium. “I couldn’t be more excited to bring our food into U.S. Bank Stadium—the most forward-thinking sports and entertainment complex in the country,” says co-owner Nick Rancone.
Not just home to the Minnesota Vikings, U.S. Bank Stadium will be able to host seven to 70,000 people for meetings and events in its six clubs and two outdoor spaces during nongamedays. Stay tuned for a special issue chock-full of details this fall.
