The NFL briefly thought about using this stadium for tomorrow's Giants-Vikings game (in lieu of the Nodome!) but apparently it would have taken too long to get the stadium ready. Too bad, it would have been a great venue.

Even after tomorrow, there is one more home game left for the Vikings next week. Maybe they will hold that one here, depending on whether or not they can get the Metrodome fixed in time.

I would have loved to have seen an NFL game here. Owell.

^^ That's what everyone was hoping to see. :no:

I bet their last home game will be played there. Metrodome won't be ready for the rest of the year.

I bet their last home game will be played there. Metrodome won't be ready for the rest of the year.
It's been "winterized" (shut down) for the year.

It'd take at least two weeks for everything to be operational again.

^^
According to a newspaper report it would take 4 days to open TCF stadium.

Sounds likely that they'll play there in the end, reports are saying.

confirmed:
Monday's Vikings-Bears game will be played at U's stadium; Dome won't be ready

Staff and wire reports
Last update: December 14, 2010 - 7:47 PM

The Metrodome's torn roof won't be repaired in time for the Vikings' Monday night game with Chicago, stadium officials said Tuesday as the team prepared to use Minnesota's TCF Bank Stadium as a backup.

Engineers and workers who inspected the Metrodome's collapsed roof on Tuesday found damage from the weekend's blizzard was worse than initially thought, according to the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission.

Officials said they hoped in the next few days to have a better idea about just how long repairs will take.

"Our first priority is the safety and well-being of the Vikings fans and players, the hundreds of youth sports, community and other groups that use the Metrodome throughout the year and our employees," commission president Roy Terwilliger said in announcing that Mall of America field won't be ready for Monday night.

Workers at the university, meanwhile, began the daunting task of removing snow from the outdoor TCF Bank Stadium, which was buried after the weekend snowstorm dumped more than 17 inches in Minneapolis and caused the Metrodome's Teflon roof to collapse early Sunday.

"We're going to do the best we can to get as prepared as we can for Monday night's game," said Scott Ellison, assistant athletic director for facilities at the University of Minnesota.

The Vikings said in a statement that the team is working with the university and NFL to get the school's stadium ready.

"The Vikings are committed to ensuring a home game in Minnesota for our fans," the team said.

Ellison said the Vikings agreed to pick up all the prelimary expenses, including plowing, as well as all expenses that would be involved in holding a game there. Ellison didn't know how much it would cost to remove the snow, but said he thought it would be considerable. The normal game day budget at the stadium is $250,000, he said.

The snow removal plan is to have groups of 100 workers, working four-hour shifts, for 16 hours a day. Right now, most of those workers are coming from temp agencies.

Officials also have to get the building ready, including the concessions, which are only designed to withstand mid-November temperatures. Ellison said officials would have to put Plexiglass covers over concession stands to trap heat inside.

It could also be a challenging experience for the players, because the field ground is not heated. But Ellison said he said he thinks it will be an exciting experience for the fans.

"I think they'll love outdoor football in Minnesota. I think it'll be a great experience for the fans," Ellison said.

TCF Bank Stadium has a seating capacity of about 50,000 — about 13,000 fewer seats than are available at the Metrodome for football games.

http://www.startribune.com/local/111867304.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aU1yDEmP:QMDCinchO7DU

Looks like the game will be played there on Monday night.

I read on ESPN that they will have crews of 100 workers per group, with each working 4 hour shifts, 16 hours a day to shovel it out. Plows cannot be used as it may damage the stadium itself. The Vikings will be picking up the tab for the cleanup. The concessions will need to have plexy glass installed as they were not designed for December temperatures.

Will it be on national TV? I'd love to watch it. I wanted to watch the game in Detroit but it wasn't televised nationally.

^^
Yes, it will be a normal MNF game on ESPN.

Yeah! Outdoor football in Minnesota! This is gonna be awesome.

Current state of TCF stadium, taken today:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v704/packerfan386/hold/8f8cae58.jpg
Star Tribune

. The concessions will need to have plexy glass installed as they were not designed for December temperatures.

Why would they not design the stadium for winter temps? That seems retareded considering this is an outdoor stadium in a northern state :bash:

Current state of TCF stadium, taken today:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v704/packerfan386/hold/8f8cae58.jpg
Star Tribune

that is alot of snow. im pretty sure i could slide down one of those sections !

what are the temps suppose to be for next monday ??

Why would they not design the stadium for winter temps? That seems retareded considering this is an outdoor stadium in a northern state :bash:

The college football season ends in November.

Why would they not design the stadium for winter temps? That seems retareded considering this is an outdoor stadium in a northern state :bash:

Because they don't use it in winter.

that is alot of snow. im pretty sure i could slide down one of those sections !

what are the temps suppose to be for next monday ??

0f

Does anyone know how they are going to work the seat allocation? I would assume the game originally was going to be a sellout, or close to it. How are they going to organize where people with tickets get to sit?

They are talking about adding in temporary bleachers if they can get them on short notice, I believe they could very quickly add 10,000 or so seats, butthat would still leave +/-3,000 ticketholders with out a seat.

You gonna go help out?

that is alot of snow. im pretty sure i could slide down one of those sections !

what are the temps suppose to be for next monday ??

0f
-18º wind chill

They are talking about adding in temporary bleachers if they can get them on short notice, I believe they could very quickly add 10,000 or so seats, butthat would still leave +/-3,000 ticketholders with out a seat.

I know that they designed TCF to be easily expandable, this might give them the perfect opportunity to put that expandability to use!

Does anyone know how they are going to work the seat allocation? I would assume the game originally was going to be a sellout, or close to it. How are they going to organize where people with tickets get to sit?

I went to the Vikings website and this is what I found..

Vikings Bears Monday Night Update (http://www.vikings.com/news/article-1/Update-Regarding-Mondays-Game-vs-Chicago/35992c6a-e61b-4c67-bb4d-18f2de70cac1)



At this time, NFL officials are touring TCF Bank Stadium to ensure its safety for our fans and its ability to meet the primary technical requirements for an NFL game. Ultimately the decision to re-locate a game is the league's in consultation with the two teams. The NFL supports the plan to play Monday night's game at TCF Bank Stadium but is currently ensuring viability of this plan.

At the same time, the Vikings and the University of Minnesota are diligently working through all of the issues associated with moving a game such as tickets, parking, and operations. The organization is working to accommodate our fans’ questions, and we will continue to inform them on this fluid situation as soon as more information is available.


and this..

Vikings Tickets info for Monday night Vs da' Bears (http://www.vikings.com/tickets/roof-collapse-ticket-info.html)


Giants / Bears Game Ticket Info & Policies

Ticket Policy For Monday's Game vs. Chicago

At this point, no policy has been determined for Monday’s game against the Bears, which will likely take place at TCF Bank Stadium. Once a policy has been determined, the message will be communicated to ticket holders via vikings.com, e-mail blasts, etc. The Vikings appreciated your patience as we work to make this week’s game the best experience possible for all involved given the extenuating circumstances.

Vikings Season Ticket Owner Credit and/or Refund Policy For The Giants Game

This Minnesota Vikings policy will affect only the original account owner of record who purchased season tickets or five-game packages through the Vikings and Ticketmaster.

These specific accounts will be automatically credited for the Giants game to their 2011 Season Tickets. This credit amount will consist of the price of the ticket, and will not include associated transaction fees.

For those accounts who prefer a refund, you can request one in writing prior to January 10, 2011. All refunds will be processed after this date. If your purchase was by credit card, the credit will be issued to the same credit card. If your purchase was by cash or check, you will receive a refund check in the mail. Requests can be sent to:

Mail:
Minnesota Vikings Ticket Office, Attn: Refund, 425 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55415

Fax:
(612) 333-0458

If you have any additional questions, please call (612) 338-4537.

The college football season ends in November.

well I live 100s of miles south of Minnesota and we had snow storms as early as october before. And college football ends in January, they should know that during the lifetime of the stadium that college will go to a playoff and if they want to host any games it would be in December/January

well I live 100s of miles south of Minnesota and we had snow storms as early as october before. And college football ends in January, they should know that during the lifetime of the stadium that college will go to a playoff and if they want to host any games it would be in December/January
http://content.ytmnd.com/content/7/4/f/74f695c0c972511457de77c4f408f250.jpg

well I live 100s of miles south of Minnesota and we had snow storms as early as october before. And college football ends in January, they should know that during the lifetime of the stadium that college will go to a playoff and if they want to host any games it would be in December/January

Nope college football for the Gophers ends in November. There are no bowl games in that stadium. If there ever is a playoff game, they'll host it in the Metrodome which can accommodate more fans. I guess they didn't have the foresight to think of the common occurrence of the Metrodome collapsing and the Vikings would asking to borrow their stadium.

common occurrence of the Metrodome collapsing
Actually, its not really that common being as though the last full deflation happened in 1983 (about a year after it opened).

Actually, its not really that common being as though the last full deflation happened in 1983 (about a year after it opened).

I was being sarcastic ;)

U official confident game will be played on campus

By PAUL LEVY and KELLY SMITH, Star Tribune
Last update: December 15, 2010 - 8:22 PM

The University of Minnesota official overseeing the move of Monday’s Vikings-Bears game to TCF Bank Stadium expressed confidence Wednesday that it will happen.
“I would say there will be a game here Monday night,” said Scott Ellision, the university’s associate athletic director.
Ellison said “the NFL is on board” with the condition of the field, which is still frozen and blanketed by snow.
The same weekend snowstorm severely damaged the roof of the Metrdome, the Vikings’ regular home.
A fourth panel on the Metrodome’s roof ripped late Wednesday night, likely due to the heavy ice and snow that still blankets much of the roof, said Patrick Milan, spokesman for the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission.
Workers have been working 24/7 on repairing the Metrodome, and crews were on the floor Wednesday night when the fourth panel collapsed, sending snow and ice to the dome floor. No injuries were reported. The dome was immediately shut down and crews were sent home.

The panel was located in a different area – near 5th Street – than the other three panels that caused the roof to collapse Sunday. Milan said officials won’t know yet how this will affect the overall repair efforts, “it just means there’s one more.” They’ll reevaluate the process Thursday.

Some four or five feet of ice still covers some of the roof. Milan said they can’t be certain other panels won’t fail. “It’s hard to rule out anything,” he said. “The roof’s been through stress. It’s a massive dangerous operation.”
About 150 workers were at the university stadium Wednesday clearing snow, most from temporary agencies, Ellison said.
All who work on site preparation will be paid, he said. The Vikings will cover the expenses.
Once snow is removed, a tarp will be placed on the field and heaters will be put underneath it to melt ice and thaw the ground.
Three chutes were placed in the stands, and workers piled snow onto them. The snow slid to field level and was placed on trucks.
As of late Wednesday afternoon, 17 sections of the stadium had been cleared and 26 truckloads of snow had been taken away, Ellison said.
He also said that there had been talks with the Vikings about adding temporary seats in the west end zone of the stadium, which seats about 50,000, or 13,000 fewer than the Metrodome....

Nope college football for the Gophers ends in November. There are no bowl games in that stadium. If there ever is a playoff game, they'll host it in the Metrodome which can accommodate more fans. I guess they didn't have the foresight to think of the common occurrence of the Metrodome collapsing and the Vikings would asking to borrow their stadium.
If I was a Big Ten AD, I'd host playoff games in open-air stadiums.

Let's see how those Southern boys handle playing football in the midst of a lake-effect snowstorm! http://www.ultimatesportsboards.com/forums/img/smilies/freeze.gif

If I was a Big Ten AD, I'd host playoff games in open-air stadiums.

Let's see how those Southern boys handle playing football in the midst of a lake-effect snowstorm! http://www.ultimatesportsboards.com/forums/img/smilies/freeze.gif

Every cold weather outdoor game I have been to is fine and fun for the first hour (with or without alcohol in one's system), but as a fan by the third hour in the stands, you're feet are frozen and you are miserable. When your team loses, you feel even worse emotionally.

I don't know how to do a sketch up but I'd like to see a rendering of an expanded TCF Stadium..say to 65,000 seats..Just asking!

Every cold weather outdoor game I have been to is fine and fun for the first hour (with or without alcohol in one's system), but as a fan by the third hour in the stands, you're feet are frozen and you are miserable. When your team loses, you feel even worse emotionally.

^^Been there done that.

If I was a Big Ten AD, I'd host playoff games in open-air stadiums.


Now that the Big 10 has 12 teams the NCAA will permit a championship/playoff game. I don't think it would be outdoors. Simply for the comfort of the high-roller fans that would attend that game. Look for it to be at Ford Field or Lucas Oil Stadium in Indy.

Just my opinion!

If I was a Big Ten AD, I'd host playoff games in open-air stadiums.

Let's see how those Southern boys handle playing football in the midst of a lake-effect snowstorm! http://www.ultimatesportsboards.com/forums/img/smilies/freeze.gif

I can't recall an FBS college game with a huge lake-effect snowstorm, but it seems to happen plenty in the NFL

Now that the Big 10 has 12 teams the NCAA will permit a championship/playoff game. I don't think it would be outdoors. Simply for the comfort of the high-roller fans that would attend that game. Look for it to be at Ford Field or Lucas Oil Stadium in Indy.

Just my opinion!
This has nothing to do with the Big Ten Championship.

We're talking about a college football playoff, the first round of which would likely be hosted at home stadiums.

If a Big Ten team got to host an SEC team in such a format, they'd be at a decided advantage.

I'd help them shovel it out if I got a ticket to the game, otherwise they can have fun playing in the snow.

This has nothing to do with the Big Ten Championship.

We're talking about a college football playoff, the first round of which would likely be hosted at home stadiums.

If a Big Ten team got to host an SEC team in such a format, they'd be at a decided advantage.

Oh I get you now.. Humm It would be nice to have an NCAA D1A playoff. But that is still in the future...unfortunately.

Back on topic...
taken today, Dec. 16
http://stmedia.startribune.com/images/M16817051.JPG
Star Tribune

Here is the press release put out by the Vikings:

The Vikings have announced the ticket policy and game logistics for the upcoming Monday night Vikings-Bears game at TCF Bank Stadium. All ticket holders will use their Vikings-Bears game tickets for Mall of America Field at the Metrodome to enter TCF Bank Stadium and seating will be general admission by lower and upper levels.

Mall of America Field at the Metrodome Lower-Level Ticket Holders (100 level)
Ticket holders with lower-level tickets (100 level) will get lower-level seating access at TCF Bank Stadium (general admission) – UNTIL SEATING IS AT CAPACITY. Gates will open at 5:00 p.m. for those 100 level ticket holders with line queues starting at 4 p.m. The value of all lower-level tickets will be considered to be $77. If the face value of the original 100-level season ticket is greater than $77, a credit for the difference will be applied to the Season Ticket Owner’s account toward 2011 season tickets. For single-game purchasers, a credit will be applied via Ticketmaster.

Mall of America Field at the Metrodome Upper-Level Ticket Holders (200 level)
Ticket holders with upper-level tickets (200 level) will only have upper level seating access at TCF Bank Stadium (general admission). Gates will open at 5:30 p.m. for those 200 level ticket holders. The value of all upper-level tickets will be considered to be $29. If the face value of the original 200-level season ticket is greater than $29, a credit for the difference will be applied to the Season Ticket Owner’s account toward 2011 season tickets. For single-game purchasers, a credit will be applied via Ticketmaster.

Unused Season Tickets for Mall of America Field at the Metrodome
Season Ticket Owners that do not use their tickets will receive full credit on their account if the ticket goes unused AND is mailed to the Vikings Ticket Office (425 Chicago Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55415) POST-MARKED by Saturday, December 18.

IMPORTANT: This is a first-come, first-served event. The Vikings anticipate this game to be well-attended and having a valid ticket does not guarantee admittance into TCF Bank Stadium. In the event that some ticket holders are turned away on game night due to capacity, only the original ticket account owners will receive a full refund.

Game Logistics
The Vikings and the University of Minnesota have agreed no alcoholic beverages will be served at this game. No outside food or beverages will be allowed into the stadium. Game parking details will be announced in the coming days.

“This is a difficult situation with no easy solution, so we greatly appreciate our fans’ patience in this process,” said Steve LaCroix, Vikings Vice President of Sales and Marketing and Chief Marketing Officer. “We are making every effort to accommodate as many Vikings fans as possible and play a home game here in Minnesota. We’re excited about celebrating the 50th season with a return to outdoor football.”


http://www.startribune.com/sports/vikings/blogs/112019754.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aU1yDEmP:QMDCinchO7DU

^^ those people deserve tickets

I just heard that some bears players don't want to play at TCF because they think it's unsafe to play on a frozen field. Can they really refuse to play there I hope they can't. I want the game to be played at TCF.

I can't understand why they are complaining if last week they had no problems playing in conditions like :

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_WMIJSWCs5Gk/TQWmlJ07VvI/AAAAAAAAEP4/s9LZPEuOCls/58237518.jpg

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_WMIJSWCs5Gk/TQWmhVd3MSI/AAAAAAAAEPs/Gd6WIgD7k8o/58237086.jpg

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_WMIJSWCs5Gk/TQk7rqR62wI/AAAAAAAAEWs/5EBqHjqsSec/58237525.jpg

The field doesn't have undersoil heating, they're worried that it'll be really hard.

The field doesn't have undersoil heating, they're worried that it'll be really hard.
2 questions:

Do all NFL stadiums in cold places (Gillete, Lambeau, Meadowlands etc) have undersoil heating.

Will it be like the ice bowl 2 ???

Do all NFL stadiums in cold places (Gillete, Lambeau, Meadowlands etc) have undersoil heating.


The answer is yes.

Will it be like the ice bowl 2 ???

Don't know. At the Ice bowl game on 12.31.1967 in Green Bay WI the official game-time temperature was −13°F / −25°C, with a wind chill around −48°F / −44°C. Let's see the temp in Minneapolis will be about 10F at game time...not sure about the wind.

I think the NFL requires undersoil heating doesn't it? They're real sticklers for games being played when they're supposed to be played, as oppose to other leagues that'll postpone more often.

The answer is yes.

Don't know. At the Ice bowl game on 12.31.1967 in Green Bay WI the official game-time temperature was −13°F / −25°C, with a wind chill around −48°F / −44°C. Let's see the temp in Minneapolis will be about 10F at game time...not sure about the wind.

The Ice Bowl also had some strange circumstances with the first attempts at undersoil heating, combined with a tarp overnight keeping all the moisture generated by the undersoil heating being accumulated under the tarp over night then quickly freezing the ground as soon as the tarp came off.

There was a playoff game a few years ago in Foxboro, MA between the Pats and Titans. The game time temps were something like -5 or -10 with the windchill. I think only about 60,000 people showed up for the game.

I think the NFL requires undersoil heating doesn't it? They're real sticklers for games being played when they're supposed to be played, as oppose to other leagues that'll postpone more often.

Buffalo and Kansas City do not have heating systems.

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/2010-12-16-vikings-stadium-thursday_N.htm

2 questions:

Do all NFL stadiums in cold places (Gillete, Lambeau, Meadowlands etc) have undersoil heating.

Will it be like the ice bowl 2 ???

No, Ralph Wilson Stadium is not heated. But it does not get nearly as cold as say Green Bay, Chicago, Minneapolis, or even kansas City. The coldest game I remember was say 17f, there probably have been colder but that's the coldest I saw. It's going to be very cold but there have been a lot of games that cold.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v704/packerfan386/hold/5478f283.jpg
Star Tribune

Don't know. At the Ice bowl game on 12.31.1967 in Green Bay WI the official game-time temperature was −13°F / −25°C, with a wind chill around −48°F / −44°C. Let's see the temp in Minneapolis will be about 10F at game time...not sure about the wind.

Don't forget the Freezer Bowl. On astroturf it would have been as hard a concrete yet they played, Kenny Anderson playing very well.

This has nothing to do with the Big Ten Championship.

We're talking about a college football playoff, the first round of which would likely be hosted at home stadiums.

If a Big Ten team got to host an SEC team in such a format, they'd be at a decided advantage.

If there ever is going to be a playoff system in college football, it is most likely going to be the top 10 teams to determine the championship. It will be set up like the college basketball tournament and have regional sites. Even if the NCAA decided to host a playoff game in a cold weather stadium, it won't be one of the smallest stadiums in the Big Ten when they have options like Ann Arbor, Happy Valley and Columbus. What is likely to happen is the games will be hosted in NFL stadiums, and if they are played in the north it will be Lucas Oil Stadium or Ford Field.

If there ever is going to be a playoff system in college football, it is most likely going to be the top 10 teams to determine the championship. It will be set up like the college basketball tournament and have regional sites. Even if the NCAA decided to host a playoff game in a cold weather stadium, it won't be one of the smallest stadiums in the Big Ten when they have options like Ann Arbor, Happy Valley and Columbus. What is likely to happen is the games will be hosted in NFL stadiums, and if they are played in the north it will be Lucas Oil Stadium or Ford Field.

I don't see that happening. There should be a playoff and the smart thing to do would have the first round take place at the home stadium of the lower seed. I personally think there should be a 16 team playoff and the first 2 rounds would take place at the home stadium of the lower seed. It would save on travel costs for the teams involved.

Lets stay on topic..............

Vikings Game Day Information
Courtesy: University of Minnesota

Release:12/17/2010

http://image.cdnl3.xosnetwork.com/pics21/400/JP/JPYIJSWMMPWPWZE.20091230220216.jpg
The University of Minnesota is excited to host Monday Night Football, the Minnesota Vikings and the Chicago Bears at TCF Bank Stadium.
This page will serve as a clearinghouse for any and all information we can pass along to individuals attending the game.

Ticketing



The Vikings have released their ticket policy (http://www.vikings.com/news/article-1/Vikings-Announce-Ticket-Policy-and-Game-Logistics-for-Mondays-Game-vs-Bears/600bd3e0-0b93-476e-9560-6cf4ae4545ed?DB_OEM_ID=8400) for Monday night’s game.
Gates will open to ticketed fans at 5 p.m. Fans may begin assembling to enter the stadium at 4 p.m.
Per university policy, overnight camping is prohibited. Fans are asked not to arrive at the stadium prior to 4 p.m.


Parking



Fans are encouraged to utilize public transportation to and from TCF Bank Stadium for Monday night’s game. Shuttles will be running from traditional downtown Vikings game-day parking locations.
On-campus parking (http://www1.umn.edu/pts/?DB_OEM_ID=8400) is extremely limited. Fans wishing to drive to campus should plan to park in St. Paul campus parking locations and utilize shuttles to and from the stadium. Parking in St. Paul will be $10.
Additional parking is available on both the east and west banks of the Minneapolis campus.
Due to severe parking limitations on the University of Minnesota campus, tailgating will not be permitted in any on-campus parking lot.


Media



University of Minnesota officials will not hold a media briefing on Saturday. A media briefing will be held on Sunday. Information on the Sunday briefing will be announced as soon as possible.
Game-day access to the stadium will be at the Dodge County entrance, beginning at 2 p.m.
For credentials and media parking (http://www.vikings.com/news/media-guide.html?DB_OEM_ID=8400) information regarding Monday night’s game, contact Jon Ekstrom in the Minnesota Vikings public relations office at 952.828.6511.
Minneapolis and Chicago local television units will be limited to one satellite or RF truck in the TCF Bank Stadium television compound.
Television outlets interested in conducting live shots from the field on Monday should coordinate with the Vikings public relations staff regarding NFL rules and regulations. Crews will be asked to set up for live shots at the east end of TCF Bank Stadium, in the band seating area. For transmission, tie-ins will take place on the north side of the field, using the panel at the 20-yard line.
Local television stations interested in testing transmission lines will be allowed in TCF Bank Stadium Sunday morning at 10 a.m. Enter through the Jackson County entrance.


Campus Community



Campus constituents are encouraged to take appropriate action to avoid unnecessary inconvenience on Monday.
More than 50,000 Vikings fans are expected to begin arriving at the stadium in the hours before kickoff. While fans are being encouraged to take public transportation, there will be increased traffic and congestion during that time, so please plan accordingly.
Faculty and staff who need to come to campus Monday afternoon and evening for finals and work shifts should plan extra travel time.
Parking contracts will be honored as usual, however there will be no reciprocal parking that evening.
Public parking facilities will open at 4 p.m. for game day parking and switch to event rates. Faculty, staff, and students can, however, show a valid University I.D. and pay $6.00 for ramp and garage parking, or $3.75 for lot parking. These spaces will be on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Regular campus shuttle service will be in operation as well as additional shuttle buses similar to those that run on Gopher football game day.


http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=205057011

Because fans will be running to the better seats, how many slip/fall accidents will occur since we know that many fans will have 2.5 hours of booze in their system?

If there ever is going to be a playoff system in college football, it is most likely going to be the top 10 teams to determine the championship. It will be set up like the college basketball tournament and have regional sites. Even if the NCAA decided to host a playoff game in a cold weather stadium, it won't be one of the smallest stadiums in the Big Ten when they have options like Ann Arbor, Happy Valley and Columbus. What is likely to happen is the games will be hosted in NFL stadiums, and if they are played in the north it will be Lucas Oil Stadium or Ford Field.
Why?

The NCAA doesn't do this at any other level...

If you're the higher seed, you should be allowed to host at your home stadium. Simple as that.

Has it been confirmed by the NFL as the venue for the vikings game???

Don't forget the Freezer Bowl. On astroturf it would have been as hard a concrete yet they played, Kenny Anderson playing very well.

aaarrrggg! As a Charger Fan how can I forget???

from wiki..
Air temperature was −9 °F (−23 °C), but the wind chill, factoring in a sustained wind of 27 miles per hour (43 km/h), was −37 °F/−38 °C (calculated as −59 °F/−51 °C using the now outdated wind chill formula in place at the time). The game was played at Cincinnati's Riverfront Stadium

Yep it was a little nippy and so were the Chargers.

Why?

The NCAA doesn't do this at any other level...

If you're the higher seed, you should be allowed to host at your home stadium. Simple as that.

Yes they do. It's called the NCAA tournament. 64 teams play in it. It's broken down to 4 regions and pre determined arenas. I'm surprised you never heard of this.

Yes they do. It's called the NCAA tournament. 64 teams play in it. It's broken down to 4 regions and pre determined arenas. I'm surprised you never heard of this.

He was talking about other divisions in football; Right now on ESPN2/3 is a division 1 playoff game being played with Villinova playing AT Eastern Washington's home field

He was talking about other divisions in football; Right now on ESPN2/3 is a division 1 playoff game being played with Villinova playing AT Eastern Washington's home field

Minnesota isn't a Division 1-AA school so this doesn't apply. If they bring playoffs to Division 1 schools, it will only be for the top 8-10 teams because they can't expand the schedule to include 16 teams. It will likely be setup that the winners of the BCS bowls play each other to determine a champion. It is 99.9% certain a playoff game won't be played at TCF Bank Stadium. The 0.1% chance would be if for some reason they schedule a playoff game at the Metrodome and it collapses and games are already scheduled at Indianapolis, St Louis and Detroit. Even then it's a long shot.

Minnesota isn't a Division 1-AA school so this doesn't apply. If they bring playoffs to Division 1 schools, it will only be for the top 8-10 teams because they can't expand the schedule to include 16 teams. It will likely be setup that the winners of the BCS bowls play each other to determine a champion. It is 99.9% certain a playoff game won't be played at TCF Bank Stadium. The 0.1% chance would be if for some reason they schedule a playoff game at the Metrodome and it collapses and games are already scheduled at Indianapolis, St Louis and Detroit. Even then it's a long shot.

You cannot compare basketball to football. Basketball games are easily played with 1 day between, football would need at least 4-5. It makes perfect sense to have at least the first round would take place at the lower seeds home field. With basketball, they have regional sites to lessen the travel. Since you can play 2 games in 3 days, it makes sense to have all the teams travel to a set number of cities.

Also, the current Division 1 FCS teams already play 11-12 regular season games and the teams that make the finals will end up playing an addition 4 playoff games. A 16 team playoff would be great and if Minnesota were to win the Big Ten, then TCF would host if they were the lower seed.

It would be nice if ESPN, or CBS would throw some support behind a playoff.

Minnesota isn't a Division 1-AA school so this doesn't apply. If they bring playoffs to Division 1 schools, it will only be for the top 8-10 teams because they can't expand the schedule to include 16 teams. It will likely be setup that the winners of the BCS bowls play each other to determine a champion. It is 99.9% certain a playoff game won't be played at TCF Bank Stadium. The 0.1% chance would be if for some reason they schedule a playoff game at the Metrodome and it collapses and games are already scheduled at Indianapolis, St Louis and Detroit. Even then it's a long shot.

There is no longer I-AA, and the division 1 playoffs has 20 teams this year, so yes 16 could easily be done as that is less games... ..:bash::bash::bash::bash::bash:

Here's a link about the conditions at the stadium..

http://www.vikings.com/media-vault/videos/NFL-Network-Reports-From-TCF---1217/78586512-02bb-4ec1-99da-4536b565b1fe

TCF Bank Stadium has been cleared of snow..but traffic problems are expected for Monday night game against da' Bears..

http://www.startribune.com/local/112110489.html?elr=KArksi8cyaiUo8cyaiUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aULPQL7PQLanchO7DiUr



TCF Bank Stadium is clear, but Monday's traffic won't be..

Expect a nightmare for Monday night's Vikings game, even with the help of park-and-ride options.

By RANDY FURST, Star Tribune

Last update: December 18, 2010 - 7:49 AM


When the Bears and Vikings tangle Monday night, look for a nerve-wracking struggle and plenty of exasperating moments. And that's before the game begins.

Traffic could be horrendous around the University of Minnesota, according to local officials who were cobbling together plans Friday to ease the expected bumper-to-bumper tieups.

"I expect it to be very bad over there," said Don Sobania, a Minneapolis city traffic engineer. "If you don't have any business in the area, stay away."

Fans attending the game at TCF Bank Stadium will be battling normal rush-hour congestion, with many fans unfamiliar with campus parking facilities. For added distractions, throw in snow-narrowed roads limiting lanes and visibility, and finals week at the university.

"If I was going to [the Monday night game], I would get a very early start and have a full tank of gas," Sobania said.

Think ahead

University spokesman Dan Wolter encouraged fans to research how they plan to get to the stadium beforehand.

The Vikings originally believed that switching the game from the Metrodome to the smaller TCF Bank Stadium would leave thousands of fans literally out in the cold. Fans will be admitted on a first-come, first-served basis. But it now appears, based on a Vikings online survey of ticket holders, that the team will be able to find a seat for anyone who comes.

"At this point we can't guarantee that, but we're feeling very confident that there's going to be no one turned away from the game," said Steve LaCroix, Vikings chief marketing officer.

TCF, with 51,000 seats, has about 13,000 fewer seats than the Metrodome. About 3,000 people can be squeezed into a standing-room area on the west side of the stadium.

Getting there will be the first challenge. While campus parking exists, officials are urging people to park in downtown Minneapolis and take a bus to the game.

Metro Transit will add at least 16 articulated, double buses before and after the game on Route 16 that will carry people from downtown Minneapolis ramps to TCF Stadium, said Bob Gibbons, a transit spokesman.

The trouble is that the buses move along the same potentially congested routes as cars. Gibbons said Route 16 is the third-most heavily used route in the transit system, "so perhaps we are not the primary solution for people who might park where they always do for a Vikings game at the Dome. Our buses will be clogged and the streets will be clogged."

The university has another bus option: Park for $10 on the state fairgrounds in Falcon Heights and ride a free bus to the game. Jacqueline Brudlos, a university transit spokeswoman, said the U will have about 16 buses that use a transitway not open to cars. But with only 1,000 car parking spaces, those buses cannot absorb the whole load, either.

There will be an estimated 9,000 parking spaces available in university lots and ramps that charge $20 for event parking. While classes are over, finals have started so there are still plenty of students and faculty around.

"Campus parking is definitely an option," said Wolter. "We do urge people to come early." He said that to maximize parking spaces, no tailgating will be allowed in campus lots.

No alcohol or food will be allowed in the stadium, but nearby bars and restaurants in Stadium Village plan to increase seating. Campus Pizza is adding expanded seating, a beer garden, and a portable bar in the indoor common area of Stadium Village Mall. Sally's Saloon is putting up a tent in its parking lot. Stub and Herb's will add a tented beer garden.

University police estimate that about 120 officers, including Minneapolis police reserve and traffic officers, will be on duty, mostly outside the stadium. That is comparable to a Gophers football game.

One more possible complication: A couple inches of snow may be headed to the Twin Cities, "the main brunt of it" falling Monday afternoon, said Mike Griesinger, meteorologist at the Twin Cities office of the National Weather Service.

Meanwhile, the university said Friday that it had all the strong backs it needed to clear the remaining snow from the stadium well ahead of Monday's game.

Staff writers Sarah Lemagie, Judd Zulgad and Paul Walsh contributed to this report. Randy Furst • 612-673-7382

Yes they do. It's called the NCAA tournament. 64 teams play in it. It's broken down to 4 regions and pre determined arenas. I'm surprised you never heard of this.
football not basketball

Minnesota isn't a Division 1-AA school so this doesn't apply. If they bring playoffs to Division 1 schools, it will only be for the top 8-10 teams because they can't expand the schedule to include 16 teams. It will likely be setup that the winners of the BCS bowls play each other to determine a champion. It is 99.9% certain a playoff game won't be played at TCF Bank Stadium. The 0.1% chance would be if for some reason they schedule a playoff game at the Metrodome and it collapses and games are already scheduled at Indianapolis, St Louis and Detroit. Even then it's a long shot.
The NCAA almost certainly wouldn't host every round at neutral sites.

It'd be much harder to fill a football stadium for opening-round games than a basketball arena, and opening-round round games in the NCAA Tournament don't often sell out, unless they host a team (or many) from nearby.

16 teams or nothing with 1st and 2nd round home games. Its the only way because I said it. Remember, the BCS is not part of the NCAA and the BCS champion is not the NCAA champion. Important distinction.

^^
... And this NCAA/ BCS talk has nothing to do with TCF Bank Stadium! ;)

^^
... And this NCAA/ BCS talk has nothing to do with TCF Bank Stadium!!!

actually it does, because they didn't design this stadium for December temps apparently and this stadium could possibly need to host playoff games in the future if U of Minn is to host 1st/2nd round games if/when the NCAA goes to a playoff

It still has nothing directly to with TCF being as though any talk of ditching the BCS is nothing but conjure at this point, there for irrelevant to this thread. IMHO (so its a stretch at best)
back to the real topic.....

Add more snow to game plan … and field, roads

Nasty weather and nasty traffic are likely to challenge fans as the Vikings face the Bears.

By BILL McAULIFFE (http://www.startribune.com/bios/10645361.html?elr=KArks:DCiUHc3E7_V_nDaycUiacyKU1K7P:D_kchO7DUr), Star Tribune
Last update: December 19, 2010 - 10:37 PM

For Vikings fans who haven't sat through a game outdoors in 29 years -- or ever -- fat and happy might be the way to go.
"Now's the time to have that spicy bratwurst," said Sam Grubisich, manager of the REI outdoor store in Maple Grove. "Warm, fatty, spicy foods -- it's a beautiful thing to actually say. Enjoy those calories! Your body is going to be looking for calories to burn."
But as fans test strategies for staying warm while sitting, the game at the University of Minnesota's TCF Bank Stadium could be a trial in other ways. Up to 8 inches of fresh snow is possible Monday through Tuesday, with a half-inch per hour coming down during the game. That could bring snow shovelers onto the field at times -- no strangers to the visiting Chicago Bears, who had to have the yard lines cleared during their game in Chicago last week.
The snow could also bog down what's expected to be an already troublesome traffic situation on the University of Minnesota's East Bank.
Vikings players, who lost their usual venue when the Metrodome roof caved in Dec. 12 after a snowstorm, also indicated Sunday that they consider the conditions challenging.
In Twitter posts, punter Chris Kluwe said the field, which was cleared of snow earlier this week, appeared "unplayable" Sunday. He added that it was "beyond hypocritical" for the NFL to be emphasizing player safety while sending two teams onto a field that was "hard as concrete."
NFL spokesman Greg Aiello indicated that groundskeepers had told him the field was in good shape. And Vikings coach Leslie Frazier said he expected conditions to be safe.
"First time having an outdoor game here in 29 years for the Vikings," he was quoted saying on the Vikings website. "I think our players will embrace that as the game goes on; they'll be into it."
Regular university traffic will be somewhat reduced because students are taking final exams instead of classes. But the game is expected to attract 54,000 fans during rush hour. Many fans who drive will be negotiating streets narrowed by snowbanks while looking for parking in areas they don't visit on game days.
The university is encouraging fans to park at the State Fairgrounds for $10 and take a free university shuttle bus to the stadium. That ride, on a dedicated transitway uninterrupted by stop lights, takes about 15 minutes. Jacqueline Burdlos, communications coordinator for parking and transportation services at the university, estimated conservatively that there are about 1,000 parking spaces at the fairgrounds.
The university has 9,000 parking spaces in campus lots and ramps for $20 each. But Burdlos also urged drivers to park in downtown Minneapolis ramps -- which workers ought to be vacating -- and ride the bus across the river to the stadium.
Metro Transit is beefing up its main route to and through the university, Route 16, with 15 extra buses. Twelve will originate at Nicollet Mall and 4th Street in downtown Minneapolis, and three will go to the stadium from the other direction, starting from Emerald and University avenues.
Those extra buses, stretch models that can each carry 100 people, will be in addition to the every-10-minutes rush hour service on the route. But Metro Transit spokesman Bob Gibbons cautioned that since the streets along the route do not have any "transit advantages" such as bus-only lanes, the buses will be stuck in the same traffic as cars. "People should have a realistic expectation of what we can do," Gibbons said.
Fans used to taking light-rail transit to Vikings games at the Metrodome will instead have to exit at the Cedar-Riverside stop and walk several blocks north to Washington Avenue to catch the Route 16 bus.
The National Weather Service Sunday put much of Minnesota under a winter storm warning for Monday, citing an approaching Pacific weather system with a "bountiful snow-producing pattern." It was predicting 5 to 9 inches of snow west to east across Minnesota and into western Wisconsin. Exactly 9 inches of snow would make this December the snowiest ever in the Twin Cities; more snow is possible Thursday and Friday.
Winter officially begins Tuesday.
No alcohol will be served at Monday's game at the university. Grubisich said fans might actually benefit from that, since alcohol actually causes people to get colder, not warmer, in spite of how it feels going down. He offered some other tips for staying warm:
• Dress in layers and keep them dry. One layer should be insulating material; another should stop wind.
• Slip hand-warmers into mittens and foot-warmers into boots. Wear a hat and cover the ears.
• Drink plenty of liquids, since cold air tends to be dry. Hot liquids are even better.


Russ Strand of International Falls, president of the Trails End chapter of the Minnesota Deer Hunters' Association, said he believes most fans might struggle with the chill simply because they don't spend much time outside. He suggested fans cover their mouths with a turtleneck, scarf or balaclava to warm the air they breathe, go for a brisk walk at halftime, and cheer a lot.
"If they really want to keep themselves warm, they should bring along a cord of wood and start chopping it up," he added.


http://www.startribune.com/local/112164354.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUycaEacyU

It still has nothing directly to with TCF being as though any talk of ditching the BCS is nothing but conjure at this point, there for irrelevant to this thread. IMHO (so its a stretch at best)
back to the real topic.....

It is direct to TCF and the poster explained why. In case you haven't paid any attention the last few days, Mark Cuban is actually in talks to attempt his own playoff. The BCS is not NCAA sanctioned so all Cuban would have to do is invite teams and have the bids approved by the conference of the teams participating and the schools presidents. Its not any more of a stretch than someone creating a new bowl game(Dallas just created one last winter that will be played in a couple of weeks).TCF would be a possible host if the Gophers made it, and its completely relevant to discuss that the stadium was likely not built with this in mind.

Damn Minnesotans are getting soft and lazy, it's not even full, and sounds like half of it is Bears fans. It's not even that cold! It's 25f.

Damn Minnesotans are getting soft and lazy, it's not even full, and sounds like half of it is Bears fans. It's not even that cold! It's 25f.

What happened to the fans that used to go to the met 30 years ago:

http://www.ranfranz.com/images/MetMin.jpg http://www.stadiumsofprofootball.com/past/metromain.jpg

Today they can't even get 50 000 to go to a game outside and as you said a lot of the ones that did go to the game are bears fans. :ohno:

Quote:
Originally Posted by eMKay View Post
Damn Minnesotans are getting soft and lazy, it's not even full, and sounds like half of it is Bears fans. It's not even that cold! It's 25f.
What happened to the fans that used to go to the met 30 years ago:

Unfortunatley many of them are dead.

Things change my friend. They do. The fans have gotten use to sitting in the 68F degrees comfort of the HHH Metrodome. Simple. They do not want to sit outside and freeze their butts off. Simple..

As for Bear fans..they are a hearty bunch. Very hearty.

The temperature had next to nothing to do with attendance, The standing in line for 4 hours to try and get in general admission to watch your favorite team go out and get slaughtered had a little more to do with it than the temperature. 22F is balmy around here this time of year, I was out shoveling for a while and a hoodie was plenty. If the temps were below zero then maybe they could be blamed for attendance.

^^ I agree. I think if the Vikes were in the playoff hunt and if this season wasn't such a disaster then you would likely see the stadium full.

As far as Bears fans they travel well just about anywhere.

3P_wY5KtdUE&feature=player_embedded

With all the snow we have had lately many of the streets that are usually 4 lanes are now down to 2. Traffic in the city is just a mess right now, on some streets you can walk faster than you can drive. That probably kept some people away.

Some pics of yesterday's game: Bears 40 Vikings 14

http://www.chicagotribune.com/media/photo/2010-12/58378590.jpg

http://static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2010/12/20/122010-Vikings-Bears-Game-Gallery-10_20101220192916420_600_400.JPG

http://i.huffpost.com/gadgets/slideshows/15201/slide_15201_212722_huge.jpg?1292958320881

http://i.huffpost.com/gadgets/slideshows/15201/slide_15201_212725_huge.jpg?1292958320881

http://i.huffpost.com/gadgets/slideshows/15201/slide_15201_212761_huge.jpg?1292958320881

http://www.chicagotribune.com/media/photo/2010-12/58382373.jpg

http://www.chicagotribune.com/media/photo/2010-12/58383456.jpg

The temperature had next to nothing to do with attendance, The standing in line for 4 hours to try and get in general admission to watch your favorite team go out and get slaughtered had a little more to do with it than the temperature. 22F is balmy around here this time of year, I was out shoveling for a while and a hoodie was plenty. If the temps were below zero then maybe they could be blamed for attendance.

Very good point, thanks.

A couple nice photos from the air. First is the early construction days. Second is of the very first game in 2009...

http://www.bergphoto.com/images/berg-071020-9542-750.jpg

http://www.bergphoto.com/images/berg-090912-1656-750.jpg

I think this would be an awesome stadium to host the NHL Winter Classic.

I think this would be an awesome stadium to host the NHL Winter Classic.

It was not winterized when built. The plumbing is not really built for weather temperatures below freezing.

Plus, like Michigan Stadium will face, beer/alcohol sales are very limited.

One of my favorite stadia in USA. The geometric trend of the outside colonnade and its style so retro-classic make me speechless!

Looks like there will be beer at the Bank:
http://www.kare11.com/sports/gophers/article/970112/452/Bill-allows-alcohol-sales-at-TCF-and-other-U-of-M-venues

This stadium will temporarily be the home of the NFL Minnesota Vikings for all of one season and all or part of 1 or 2 more. The Vikings have a deal passed to build a new stadium of their own at the site of the Metrodome. This will mean the Metrodome will be torn down and TCF Bank Stadium will host the Vikings while the new stadium is completed.

It is too early to say exactly how long, but there is hope the new Viking's stadium can have its construction begin on the parking lot next to the current Metrodome so crews can wait for the last possible minute to tear down the Metrodome. Regardless, it will be at least one full season for the Vikings in TCF Bank Stadium.

Temporary seating will be added in the west end zone area to bring TCF up to a capacity close, if not exactly the same as the current Metrodome (64,000). As the previous post mentioned, a deal has also been struck regarding alcohol sales within TCF. It will allow the University to finally sell alcohol in the premium seating areas (also with a beer garden for all fans also located in the stadium). The University has always wanted to sell alcohol in the premium seating, but has never wanted open liquor sales in general seating. The beer garden is a compromise for the legislature that previously said "all or nothing" regarding liquor sales in the stadium. This will also likely clear the way for stadium-wide alcohol sales for NFL games (only).

In exchange for use of TCF Bank Stadium, the Vikings will be paying for heating coils to be placed under the turf (not essential for the College season that ends in early December, but critical for NFL games that are played well into January) and will also be paying for radiant heating in the stadium concourse. There will also be a flat rate rental fee paid for every game the Vikings host. These are all nice added perks to the stadium, as well as a good financial boost for the University.

Was it built too small, or did they get it right with the initial capacity?

Nice to see this happening. Shame it take a year or so to work out how to do it all tho.

It was built to a perfect size for Gopher Football as it currently stands with its current fan base. However, you can see (especially when you look at overhead views of the stadium) that it was also built to (relatively) easily add a third deck should the need arise in the future. This stadium was built to easily add capacity in 10K steps all the way to 80,000. In terms of the future need to add temp seating to host Viking games, that will be in the west end zone, which ironically is NOT in the plans for any potential future expansion of permanent seating. That temp seating would be removed when the Vikings move into their new home sometime around 2016.

Another thought, perhaps already suggested by someone else but currently popping into my head:

It has been said that the prospects of this stadium hosting a big time college or pro hockey game have been diminished because of the expense to "un-winterize" the stadium for that one emergency hosting of the Vikings game when the Metrodome collapsed. Now that there is at least one upcoming season where TCF Bank Stadium will be operational well into the winter to host Viking games, I wonder if it would allow the University to kill two birds with one stone and inexpensively host some outdoor hockey as well? Combine that with the recent changes in laws affecting alcohol sales, and perhaps TCF Bank Stadium is once again an attractive location for the Winter Classic or maybe a big college hockey series?