OREANDA-NEWS. December 20, 2013. ArcelorMittal Differdange, Luxembourg, will supply some 20% (3,000 tonnes) of the steel required for the construction of the new multi-purpose stadium in St. Paul, Minnesota (US).

Construction ceremonially kicked off on Tuesday, December 3, with a long-awaited groundbreaking outside Metrodome, the old stadium that will be demolished to make way for the new home of the NFL franchise Minnesota Vikings. The total cost of the project will be US\\$975m, of which around USD700m is construction costs. The new stadium is scheduled to open in time for the 2016 NFL season.

ArcelorMittal Differdange will provide grade 65 steel beams for long, high-calibre steel trusses that will be used in the soaring glass roof of the new stadium, with the main truss spanning across the roof.  While ArcelorMittal has more than 25 facilities in the US capable of producing a wide array of steel products serving many different markets, there is currently no facility that produces the steel needed for this construction project. ArcelorMittal USA, which operates an iron ore mine in Minnesota’s Iron Range, is proud that the ArcelorMittal family was able to provide safe, sustainable steel for this exciting project.

With a soaring prow – an architectural homage to the Vikings’ famous ships - the largest transparent roof in the US, and operable doors that open to a three-acre plaza and views of the downtown skyline, the facility’s openness and sleek geometric exterior will make it a unique stadium, unlike any other in the country.

The new stadium will seat 65,000 people and could expand to accommodate 73,000 fans during major sporting events. It will include 125 suites, 7,500 club seats, and space for gift shops, restaurants, an NFL team museum and hall of fame.

The stadium will be owned and operated by the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority and the Vikings will be contracted to call it their home for at least 30 years. Additionally, the stadium will be available 355 days a year for public uses, including cultural celebrations and entertainment events.