November 20, 2017 (Minneapolis, MN) - On Wednesday, November 15, in Berlin, U.S. Bank Stadium won the Sport design category (completed projects) at the World Architecture Festival. The award recognizes the best architecture built around the world in the last year. Today, the U. S. Green Building Council also announced that U.S. Bank Stadium received Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) New Construction (BD+C- Building Design and Construction) Gold certification.

"This has been a wonderful few weeks for U.S. Bank Stadium. HKS, SMG, Mortenson Construction, the Minnesota Vikings and the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority are very proud of the building's WAF recognition and LEED Gold certification," said Michael Vekich, chair of the MSFA. "The design team and our partners have worked hard to make sure that U.S. Bank Stadium represented cutting edge design and true quality in green building. LEED Gold certification means we have a very efficient building that reflects Minnesota's commitment to the environment."

"The design and construction team emphasized building a highly-efficient facility and minimizing its environmental impact," said Vikings Owner/President Mark Wilf. "Today's certification as LEED Gold means we accomplished our goal, giving all parties and the state of Minnesota another reason to be proud of U.S. Bank Stadium."

LEED is the most widely used, third party green building rating system in the world. LEED provides a framework to promote healthy, highly efficient and cost-saving green buildings. U.S. Bank Stadium is the second NFL stadium to be certified Gold.

"The work of innovative building projects such as U.S. Bank Stadium is a fundamental driving force in transforming the way buildings are built, design and operated," said Mahesh Ramanujam, president and CEO, USGBC. "Buildings that achieve LEED certification are lowering carbon emissions, creating a healthier environment and reducing operating costs while prioritizing sustainable practices. Because of U.S. Bank Stadium, we are increasing the number of green buildings and getting closer to USGBC's goal to outpace conventional buildings, while being environmentally and socially responsible and improving the quality of life for generations to come."

Some of the design features that garnered the LEED Gold certification are:

· U.S. Bank Stadium offsets 100% of its energy with renewable energy credits
· Innovative design that reduced the amount of steel that was needed for construction
· U.Bank Stadium was the first NFL stadium to open with LED lighting; LED lighting consumes 75% less energy compared to a traditional metal halide
· Sloped roof forms a lofted interior "heat reservoir" storing solar heat that acts as a natural snow melt system
· The ETFE roof substantially reduces the need for daytime artificial lighting, offers benefits of natural daylight and passive solar heating
· Sustainability program, including working towards the goal of becoming a zero waste facility and supporting green education with STEM tours for school groups
· Harmful toxins were avoided with inclusion of healthy materials and healthy cleaning products that do not contaminate the indoor environment

The World Architecture Festival (WAF) known as the 'Oscars of architecture' is in its 10th year, and attracts architects and design professionals from across the world to explore, debate and celebrate the built environment. A key feature of the festival is the awards program, which includes live judging. Competing architects have just 10 minutes to present their designs, and judging takes place in real time. The judging panel comprised 100 architects and sector specialists from across the world.

Designed by global design firm, HKS, U.S. Bank Stadium reflects the culture, climate and context of its city, drawing inspiration from ice formations on nearby St. Anthony's Falls as well as Scandinavian design such as Viking longboats.

About U.S. Bank Stadium

U.S. Bank Stadium, owned by the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority, is a multi-purpose stadium and home to the Minnesota Vikings. The 66,655 seat stadium is located in the heart of Minneapolis, Minnesota. This state-of-the-art facility hosts prominent national and international programming including the Minnesota Vikings, concerts, family shows, college and high school sporting events, conventions, trade/consumer shows, and corporate or private meetings and other community events. U.S. Bank Stadium opened on July 22, 2016 and has been chosen as the site of the Summer X Games (2017 and 2018), Super Bowl LII (2018) and the NCAA Men's Final Four (2019).

U.S. Bank Stadium is an SMG managed facility. M Hospitality is the official food and beverage provider for U.S. Bank Stadium.

For More Information: www.usbankstadium.com or by phone at 612-777-8700

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