Скачать или смотреть Golden Valley company selected to build Vikings stadium

The Vikings and the Minnesota Sports Facilities authority decided to "go local" when they announced that Mortenson Construction would build the new home of the Minnesota Vikings.

"It's going to be the largest construction project that this state has ever undertaken," said Michele Kelm-Helgen, chair of the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority.

Officials from Mortenson were grinning from ear to ear when the authority made the announcement.

"We are all just greatly honored to be given the privilege to be involved in this wonderful project," said John Wood, Mortenson's senior vice president.

Mortenson, however, is no stranger to building Twin Cities athletic venues. They're the company behind Target Field and TCF Bank Stadium.

"The fact that they're a local firm means a lot," Kelm-Helgen added.

But Mortenson's local ties aren't the only reason why the authority selected the Golden Valley--based firm.

"If you take that out of the equation, they still were the strongest team, the best fit," said Vikings Vice President Lester Bagley.

As for jobs, estimates are that the project will employ as many as 7,500 people during its duration.

"As far as we're concerned, the craftworkers of Minnesota are the best in the country and we're looking forward to giving so many people the chance -- to go back to work in many cases -- to build this great facility," Wood added.

Groundbreaking on the yet--to--be named stadium is slated for October.

The construction schedule is supposed to take 33 months. Contractually, the new stadium is supposed to be ready by July 1, 2016. The Vikings said they're operating as if this will be the final year at the Metrodome.

Mortensen will earn $12.5 million for its work, but that number could increase to $15 million if they finish the project ahead of schedule.

Vikings officials also say they'll decide in the next 60 to 90 days whether to add a retractable feature to the stadium.

Delane Cleveland

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