MINNEAPOLIS — As the new Vikings stadium soars upward toward completion, the seconds have been ticking down on a "Countdown to Kickoff" clock inside the New Stadium Preview Center southeast of the construction site.
The clock on Tuesday struck 500 days remaining until July 2016, when the keys to the building are scheduled to be handed over by Minneapolis-based Mortenson Construction.
The number 500 can sound like a significant distance when used as a length for prestigious automotive races, but days can pass almost as quickly as cars with turbocharged engines. Rolling back 500 days on Earth's odometer would involve revisiting Oct. 19, 2013.
Much has changed for the Vikings in that short period of time, including the debuts of Head Coach Mike Zimmer and quarterback Teddy Bridgewater.
The groundbreaking for the largest construction project in state history began Dec. 3, 2013, and the project is about 40 percent complete.
A total of 8,500 appointments by Season Ticket Members to the New Stadium Preview Center have allowed fans to peer further into the future. The 7,500-square foot, state-of-the-art facility features a locker room experience, interactive displays and models of the new stadium's bold, iconic design.
New Stadium Preview Center tours can be scheduled for Season Ticket Members by **clicking here**. Tours for Vikings fans who have signed up for the waitlist will begin March 16 (**click here** to join the waitlist).
The clock for the Season Ticket Member priority opportunity is also winding down fast. Seats for the new Vikings stadium have been reserved for purchase by Season Ticket Members, but that availability will open to non-Season Ticket Members this spring.
Fans with additional questions can call 612-33-VIKES to speak with a new stadium representative.
