In a report released on Thursday, it was revealed that the second phase of U.S. Bank Stadium's enhanced security perimeter is expected to cost a staggering $62 million. The Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority (MSFA) plans to seek funding from Governor Tim Walz and the 2024 Legislature to cover the expenses.

During the regularly scheduled MSFA monthly meeting, Tyler Robertson, the Populous architect based in Kansas City, provided an update on the project, including the cost estimate and new detailed renderings of the fortified perimeter. The state-owned building primarily serves as the home stadium for the NFL's Minnesota Vikings.

The aim of the enhanced perimeter is to ensure that the stadium meets the anti-terrorism standards set by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security while still allowing for unrestricted access and movement for attendees. In addition to the security perimeter, the MSFA also approved the replacement of the stadium's synthetic turf for the second time since its opening in 2016.

According to MSFA Chairman Michael Vekich, the organization does not have the necessary funds to finance the second phase of the perimeter, which was initially projected to cost $48 million. Therefore, they will request $62 million in funding from the Legislature and Governor Tim Walz to complete the project.

Vekich expressed enthusiasm about the project, stating, "This is a very exciting project. It really completes the vision for this stadium."

The first phase of the enhanced fencing, which covered most of the building except the main western entrance, is set to be completed in May. The initial phase was funded by the 2023 Legislature and Governor Tim Walz, who allocated $15.7 million for the project.

Vekich emphasized that the enhanced perimeter would preserve access to the building while ensuring the protection of the stadium, which was built at a cost of $1.1 billion using public and private funds.

The second phase of the perimeter involves fortifying the western entrance of the building, facing downtown, the light-rail station, the Medtronic plaza, and the skyway connection. This phase will feature permanent entry gates that will be open for public access on non-event days. The renderings also showcase an improved appearance of U.S. Bank Stadium.

Architect Tyler Robertson highlighted that phase two of the project would enhance security access, providing swift and friction-less entry for high-attendance events and elevating the overall fan experience.

The main concern regarding the second phase of the perimeter is its cost. Failure to upgrade the security measures could lead to the stadium losing certification under federal Safety Act standards, potentially resulting in the loss of events. When asked about the consequences if the project is not funded, Vekich declined to speculate. Construction is scheduled to begin in late 2024.

Once completed, the enhanced perimeter will elevate the stadium's security level to K12, according to Department of State anti-terrorism threat levels. This means that the perimeter will be capable of stopping a 15,000-pound vehicle traveling at 50 miles per hour, ensuring the safety of the more than 60,000 fans attending Vikings games.

The first phase of the enhanced fencing included the north, eastern, and southern sides of the building. In addition to the advanced anti-climb fencing, new gates, crash-prevention bollards, and in-ground wedge barriers were also installed.

Apart from the security upgrades, the MSFA has chosen Act Global, an Austin, Texas-based company, to install new turf in early 2024 at a cost of $1.3 million. The new turf will be monofilament, the preferred choice of the National Football League Players Association, offering a slightly improved safety experience.

The money for the turf replacement comes from an existing MSFA capital account funded by both the state and the Vikings for routine maintenance at the stadium. This will be the second time that the turf has been replaced in the stadium, which has hosted several NFL seasons, soccer matches, concerts, and other events.

Vikings Executive Vice President Steve Poppen revealed plans to install identical new turf in their Eagan indoor practice facility, with the team covering the cost for that replacement.

The construction of U.S. Bank Stadium was a joint effort between the Minnesota Vikings and the state. The state contributed $348 million, Minneapolis provided $150 million, and the rest was covered by the Vikings' owners. The bonds for the building were fully paid off earlier this year, more than two decades ahead of schedule.

Vekich emphasized the importance of maintaining the stadium as a top-notch venue, underscoring the need for state funding.

Although not discussed during the meeting, an MSFA study revealed that the building would require $280 million in maintenance over the next decade, including the estimated cost of $48 million for the upcoming phase of the security perimeter.

As a result of the turf replacement, the University of Minnesota Gophers baseball team will need to find an alternate venue for their 2024 season as the construction process will take six weeks.

In conclusion, U.S. Bank Stadium's enhanced security perimeter is set to cost $62 million, with the MSFA seeking funding from the Minnesota Legislature. The project aims to comply with anti-terrorism standards, ensuring the safety of attendees while maintaining smooth access and movement inside the stadium. The second phase of the perimeter is crucial to avoid jeopardizing the stadium's certification, and failure to upgrade could potentially lead to the loss of events. The project is expected to commence construction late in 2024, further securing the stadium's status as a premier venue.