US Bank Stadium, home to the NFL’s Minnesota Vikings, has transformed its playing surface to host basketball for the first time.
Following hosting a home football game on Sunday, November 25 against the Green Bay Packers, teams set to work covering the turf and installing a hardcourt to host four collegiate basketball games for the following weekend.
The event featured seven regional teams and a Big Ten vs Big 12 match-up between the University of Minnesota and Oklahoma State University.
The court, which arrived at the stadium in 219 pieces, was the same surface used for the 2018 Final Four in San Antonio in March and is formed of interlocking pieces. A protective covering for the synthetic turf was laid on one end zone and up to the 50-yard line with enough space for courtside risers and seating to be installed.
“We are excited to provide fans with an awesome opportunity to experience great basketball games at US Bank Stadium in advance of the 2019 NCAA Men’s Final Four,” said Patrick Talty, SMG general manager at US Bank Stadium, ahead of the event.
“The US Bank Stadium Basketball Classic is an accessible way for college basketball fans to enjoy a game in this unique setting.”
