New Vikings Stadium Design to Use ETFE Polymer

After years of speculation and waiting, Minnesota Vikings fans finally received a visual idea of what their new football stadium will look like when the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority (MSFA) released a concept video yesterday.

The design is bold and innovative. Especially notable is the set of enormous pivoting glass doors that will be the largest of their kind in the world. Also, according to the press release, the stadium will feature the largest ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) roof in the world and the first on a stadium in the nation.

Why is this newsworthy? Besides being heavily resistant to the elements, ETFE can be transparent. The Vikings' new stadium will have a clear roof, allowing for a connection to the outdoors while keeping the snow out. The slant to the design will allow snow and rain to slide off while providing a clean view of the sky. In other words, there won't be any more viral videos circulating of the Metrodome's roof collapsing from snow buildup.

The innovative roof will also provide a natural heating system as sunlight is able to enter during winter months. During warmer weather, the building's energy system will push down the warm air and let it ventilate through the roof.

Do you like the new design? What do you think of the decision to use the ETFE polymer? Add your thoughts in the comment section below.