Rules Set For U.S. Bank Stadium's Pivoting Doors

Despite being the first of their kind in an NFL venue, the five pivoting doors on U.S. Bank Stadium's west side will fall under the same rules as retractable roofs and walls. A determination on whether the doors will close or remain open during Vikings home games must be made 90 minutes prior to kickoff.

However, that doesn't mean that a determination on when the Vikings will opt to open or close the doors has been made. Once construction is complete, testing will be done to see how conditions affect the stadium's interior Vikings Executive Vice President of Public Affairs and Stadium Development Lester Bagley told WCCO's David McCoy.

"What happens," Bagley said, "when the doors open? Is there any kind of wind impact?"

For more, see McCoy's full story here.

New Voice To Serve As PA Announcer For Vikings At U.S. Bank Stadium

A familiar voice among NFL fans will be heard on the speakers at U.S. Bank Stadium. Earlier this week, the Vikings announced that Alan Roach will serve as the public address announcer at home games beginning in 2016.

Having spent part of his youth in Brainerd, Minnesota, Roach is a lifelong fan that held the same position with the Denver Broncos. With such a strong voice and passion for the job, Roach served as the public address announcer for eight consecutive Super Bowls beginning in 2013. His run came to an end when the Broncos reached Super Bowl XLVIII and the NFL felt it was best if a neutral party took the microphone.

Despite having worked for the Denver Broncos in the past, this won't mark the first Vikings home game that Roach has been the PA announcer for. He held the role when the Vikings traveled to London in 2013 as part of the NFL International series.

"I would say that's when we first got a taste of his capabilities," said Vikings Vice President of Content and Production Bryan Harper. "Learning that he was from Minnesota and a lifelong Vikings fan opened up additional conversation. He's clearly a talented guy. He has a booming voice and should fit well from a fan-engagement standpoint in U.S. Bank Stadium." 

U.S. Bank Stadium's Media Entrance To Bear Name Of Legendary Minnesota Columnist

When U.S. Bank Stadium opens for Vikings games in August, the media entrance will honor a journalist who has been there since the beginning. The media entrance will officially be the Sid Hartman Media Entrance in honor of the legendary Minneapolis Star Tribune columnist.

Featuring a floor-to-ceiling mural displaying multiple images of Hartman hard at work covering local sports teams, the entrance will be located on the stadium's southwest side and will serve as the main access for working press.

Hartman toured the stadium earlier this week where he was informed of the decision. Despite being 96 years old, he had the chance to sit his seat where he will work from on Sundays in the fall.

"Sid is obviously a huge icon in the State of Minnesota, but he's also nationally known as one of the best sports writers this country has ever had," Vikings Executive Director of Public Relations Bob Hagan said. "It's great that the Vikings are able to honor Sid by having the Sid Hartman Media Entrance. He deserves it. I think it's going to be great for years to come for people to come through there and know the person and character he is in this community.

Book your Preview Center appointment now at***usbankstadium.com**** to secure your seats.*