U.S. Bank and Minnesota Vikings Introduce "U.S. Bank Stadium," Announce "Places to Play" Program

With construction of Minnesota’s state-of-the-art, multi-use stadium more than halfway complete, the Minnesota Vikings can bank on a substantial home field advantage every time they take the field beginning in 2016.

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U.S. Bank Stadium (Photo: U.S. Bank)

Effective today, that stadium also has a name: U.S. Bank Stadium.

U.S. Bank, the fifth-largest commercial bank in the United States, and the Minnesota Vikings today announced a 20-year partnership for the exclusive naming rights of the Vikings’ new stadium. The announcement highlights two prominent and storied Minnesota institutions coming together with a focus on strengthening the economic and social well-being of the state and surrounding communities. Terms of the partnership were not disclosed.

Described by architects as an authentic structure influenced by its Minnesota location, U.S. Bank Stadium exhibits a bold, progressive design and combines efficient functionality with stunning architecture. The stadium’s transparent ETFE roof, combined with the world’s largest pivoting glass doors and an entire glass wall that overlooks the downtown Minneapolis skyline, will give users an outdoor feel in a climate-controlled environment. As one of the most technologically-advanced stadiums in the country and boasting some of the NFL’s closest seats to the field, U.S. Bank Stadium will also provide an unprecedented game-day experience.

U.S. Bank Invests In Stadium Where Vikings Play

“The Minnesota Vikings are a treasure for all citizens of Minnesota and our surrounding states to embrace, enjoy and enthusiastically support,” said Richard Davis, chairman, president and CEO, U.S. Bank. “As Minnesota’s hometown bank, U.S. Bank has been investing in the financial futures of individuals, families, small businesses and large enterprises for more than 150 years. Today, it is our privilege to make this new investment in the Vikings and the entire state of Minnesota. We look forward to U.S. Bank Stadium being a place that will drive economic vitality in Minneapolis-St. Paul, as well as a place where friends and families will create lasting memories celebrating civic pride and the competitive accomplishments of the Minnesota Vikings.

“On behalf of the entire Minnesota Vikings organization, we would like to thank Richard and the 67,000 U.S. Bank employees for their belief in, and support of, the Vikings and this new stadium and for the commitment they make in the economic and social well-being of Minnesota and its citizens every day,” said Vikings Owner/President Mark Wilf. “We are proud to partner with a storied and respected Minnesota institution to introduce both U.S. Bank Stadium and the Places to Play program, both of which will serve as assets for the entire Minnesota community.”

“Securing a prominent Minnesota company with a long history in the state as the naming rights partner for this stadium continues the effort of promoting and supporting Minnesota businesses and individuals with this project,” said Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority Chair Michele Kelm Helgen. “With its hundreds of events annually, U.S. Bank Stadium will be an asset to Minneapolis-St. Paul and the entire state.”

U.S. Bank and Vikings Invest In Places Where Minnesota Youth Play

Reinforcing both U.S. Bank’s and the Vikings commitment to youth and the community, the partners also announced a $1,000,000 investment into locations across the state where Minnesota children will play through the “Places to Play” program. The Places to Play program is a state-wide, grant-making initiative focused on investments in the community facilities that contribute to the quality of life including parks, playgrounds, trails and athletic facilities. For the next several years, U.S. Bank and the Vikings will make grants totaling $250,000 annually to improve and enhance public venues across the state of Minnesota. Communities can apply for the grants beginning in September 2015 and winners will be selected by the Places to Play advisory committee.

Davis added: “At U.S. Bank, we believe that we are only as strong and vibrant as the communities we serve and we are deeply committed to helping Minnesotans reach their full potential financially and in their quality of life. The recreational and play spaces across the 87 counties in Minnesota are simply one example of catalysts for turning potential into promise and promise into exceptional achievement. Joining forces with the Vikings as the naming partner for U.S. Bank Stadium gives us the platform and the responsibility to make great things happen for the youth of Minnesota. We are excited for the kickoff of the Places to Play initiative, as well as the kickoff of the Vikings 2016 season. Skol, Vikings!”

Wilf added: “The Vikings have never wavered in our commitment to the physical well-being of Minnesota’s children. The partnership with U.S. Bank is a natural fit as both the Vikings and U.S. Bank are strong community advocates who care about similar charitable causes throughout the state of Minnesota, particularly as it relates to children. The Places to Play initiative is the next step in that continued commitment, and we look forward to launching the program later this year.”

About U.S. Bank
U.S. Bancorp (NYSE: USB), with $410 billion in assets as of March 31, 2015, is the parent company of U.S. Bank National Association, the fifth-largest commercial bank in the United States. The company operates 3,172 banking offices in 25 states and 5,016 ATMs and provides a comprehensive line of banking, brokerage, insurance, investment, mortgage, trust and payment services products to consumers, businesses and institutions. Visit U.S. Bancorp on the web at www.usbank.com.

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