EAGAN, Minn. – With the Vikings set to kick off the preseason against the Denver Broncos at U.S. Bank Stadium this Saturday, Aug. 14, the team is reminding fans of a several game day logistics and health & safety protocols.
Gate Times
Gates for Vikings home games will open two hours prior to kickoff. For Saturday's game, gates will open at 1 p.m.
Traffic/Construction
Due to construction at the intersection of 11th Avenue S and Washington Avenue S, fans will not be allowed to travel south on 11th Avenue S from Washington Avenue and must use detour routes.
Skyway Access
The extended skyway route (map below) and hours will once again be in place in 2021.
Bag Policy/Security Screening
The Vikings will continue to follow the NFL’s Bag Policy that limits the size and type of bags that may be brought into U.S. Bank Stadium on game day. Express lanes for fans without bags will be available at each gate. Fans can keep specific items (i.e. keys, cell phones, wallets) on their person and do not need to empty their pockets prior to passing through the walk-through magnetometers, unless otherwise requested.
Cashless Experience
For safety and efficiency purposes, cash payments are no longer accepted inside U.S. Bank Stadium. Fans must bring credit and debit cards or use contactless options like Apple Pay for all purchases.
Enhanced Cleaning
U.S. Bank Stadium offers a clean and safe environment for guests through the virus-fighting protection of a bi-polar ionization system installed in every air handling unit in the venue. This state-of-the-art technology actively contributes to better health by restoring indoor air to its natural state through an ionization process, mitigating or limiting airborne viruses and keeping the air inside the stadium cleaner and healthier. The system installed at U.S. Bank Stadium has been proven in labs to effectively improve indoor air quality. Stadium officials will also monitor air flow and take reasonable steps to maximize air exchange.
The Vikings, ASM and the MSFA will continue to implement extensive cleaning, disinfecting and sanitization measures on game days and will adhere to guidelines set forth by the CDC and the Minnesota Department of Health. All high-touch surfaces throughout the stadium, including seats, railings, food & drink surfaces, elevators and escalators, will be cleaned, disinfected and sanitized before, during and after games. Hand sanitizer locations will be located throughout U.S. Bank Stadium, including at entrances, concourses, premium areas and restrooms.
The team has also partnered with Ecolab to implement the Ecolab Science CertifiedTM program at U.S. Bank Stadium. The stadium will use hospital disinfectants and food-contact sanitizers approved for use against the COVID-19 virus, while stadium staff will undergo detailed public health and food safety training and auditing by highly-trained Ecolab specialists to ensure practices are repeated and checked. When certification is complete, fans will see the Ecolab Science Certified seal displayed in participating areas throughout the stadium. For more information on the Ecolab Science Certified program, visit www.sciencecertified.com.
Additionally, 3M and U.S. Bank Stadium will install 3M™'s new clear Durable Protective Film with Antimicrobial Technology to various high-touch areas throughout the stadium. The film has 24/7 surface protection, with an EPA-registered antimicrobial agent to inhibit growth of harmful bacteria and is specifically designed to withstand repeated cleaning.
Face Coverings
To reduce the risk of being infected with the COVID-19 Delta variant and spreading it to others, the CDC is currently recommending all individuals, regardless of vaccination status, wear face coverings in public indoor settings. While face coverings will not be required inside U.S. Bank Stadium, the Vikings are strongly encouraging fans to follow CDC guidelines and wear masks inside the stadium.
Health Screenings
For the safety of all fans, players and game day staff, if within the 14 days preceding the game a fan has tested positive for COVID-19, has experienced COVID-19 related symptoms or is feeling generally unwell, he/she should stay home. Should a fan begin to feel unwell while at U.S. Bank Stadium, a game day staff member should be notified immediately; appropriate facilities and resources are available as necessary.
Vaccinations
Proof of COVID-19 vaccination will not be required to enter U.S. Bank Stadium; however, the Vikings strongly encourage all Minnesotans to be vaccinated.
