With less than two weeks until Vikings coaches, players and front office staff make the move to their new home at the Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center, the to-do list at the state-of-the-art facility is now one item smaller.
The most recent item checked off the list was the completion of the building's indoor practice facility, which is very much visible on Interstate 494 near the Dodd Road exit.
Last week, the final pieces of turf were installed to complete the construction of the nearly 91,000 square-foot building. The turf, Turf Nation's S5, is the same surface that is used at U.S. Bank Stadium. D.A. Hogan's Eric Gould oversaw the design and installation of the practice facility's playing surface.
With a 98-foot roof, the new structure will allow for punters and kickers to fully utilize the indoor practice facility. Previously, the low roof at Winter Park did not allow for such capabilities.
Much like U.S. Bank Stadium, the Vikings will have natural light peeking in from windows of the indoor practice facility. In addition to the natural light, LED lighting will help illuminate the space.
Permanent scoreboards and play clocks have been installed in both end zones along with permanent video bays to aide during team practices. Fixed speakers inside the practice facility will also be utilized.
View images of the Vikings brand new indoor practice facility as the turf install is complete at the Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center in Eagan.