Beginning in March, riders throughout Metro Transit's system will see a change in the name of one of its most popular light rail stations.

The METRO light rail station near the new home of the Minnesota Vikings will be known as U.S. Bank Stadium Station. The station, which serves both the METRO Blue and Green Lines and has been known as Downtown East / Metrodome Station, served as a connection for more than 1.3 million rides in 2015.

"U.S. Bank Stadium already is proving to be a beacon in the Minneapolis skyline," said Metro Transit General Manager Brian Lamb. "On an annual basis, hundreds of thousands of Twin Cities Metro Area residents and visitors pass through this station, which will now be linked to an obviously identifiable Minneapolis landmark."

Signs, maps and pocket schedules throughout Metro Transit's system, including the organization's websites, will reflect the change next month. Audio announcements will also be updated with the name U.S. Bank Stadium Station. As part of the naming agreement, Metro Transit will receive $300,000 in annual in-stadium promotions, print and radio advertising and direct marketing support to encourage transit ridership to Stadium events.

"We appreciate Metro Transit's decision to recognize a landmark that is, without a doubt, reshaping this part of downtown Minneapolis," said Vikings Owner/President Mark Wilf. "Knowing a large number of Vikings fans and stadium users will arrive via light rail, naming this 'U.S. Bank Stadium Station' is both appropriate and practical.

Construction of U.S. Bank Stadium is 90 percent complete. It is scheduled to open for the Minnesota Vikings 2016 National Football League season and in time for an August 19 concert featuring country music superstar Luke Bryan. The stadium will also be home to the National Football League's Super Bowl LII and the 2019 NCAA Final Four.