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Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission Selects Architectural, Construction Management Firms for Phase One of Metrodome Next

MINNEAPOLIS-(Business Wire)-September 26, 2008 - The Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission (MSFC) announced today that it has selected HKS, Inc., and Mortenson Construction for architectural and construction management services, respectively, associated with a proposed reconstructed, multi-purpose, climate-controlled, retractable-roof stadium on the site of the current Metrodome.

“The reconstruction of the Metrodome is a very urgent issue, and the selection of HKS and Mortenson is an important milestone as the MSFC continues to gather information to present to the citizens and public officials of Minnesota,” said Roy Terwilliger, MSFC Chair. “Of the numerous proposals we reviewed, theirs demonstrated creativity and addressed all of the major elements necessary for a reconstructed, multi-use, climate-controlled, retractable-roof facility.”

The Commission noted that, if Minnesotans want to keep the Vikings, the team needs a stadium that makes them competitive, revenue-wise, with other National Football League teams. In addition, the MSFC stated that hiring architectural and construction management services firms now can save $40 million to $50 million off the total cost of the project, and avoid the loss of another construction cycle. Finally, the Commission added:

The Minnesota Twins move to a new facility after the 2009 season.
The Gopher football team moves after the 2008 season.
The Use Agreement with the Minnesota Vikings expires after the 2011 football season.
The Twin Cities are a candidate for an NCAA Final Four sometime between 2012 and 2016. Without a facility like the Metrodome, the Twin Cities will be out of contention.

The MSFC plans to unveil the firm’s detailed schematic designs for the stadium to the public in March 2009. The goal is to have the stadium completed by 2012.

About the MSFC

The MSFC was established by legislative charter in 1977 and was responsible for the construction of the Metrodome. The very existence of the MSFC attests to the desire of various interests – urban and suburban, and statewide, business, labor and the general public to find common ground and work together on issues related to stadium infrastructure in Minnesota.

The MSFC consists of seven members. Six are appointed by the Minneapolis City Council, and the chair is appointed by the Governor and must reside outside of Minneapolis. MSFC members have always represented a broad cross-section of the community.

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