U.S. Bank Stadium officials are trying to figure out how many of the workers who sell nachos, clean floors and protect the building are struggling financially and worried about going homeless during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The results of a $24,000 study are expected to go to the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority (MSFA) by early next year, authority members learned at their regular monthly meeting, held remotely Thursday.
MSFA Chairman Michael Vekich said the first step in helping workers is understanding the extent of the problem. "It's a very difficult question and the solution is not easy," he said.
The Vikings have played a handful of games this season at the stadium, which can accommodate 67,200 fans. But the team has been allowed no more than 250 friends and family members in the stands.
Under new limits announced Wednesday by Gov. Tim Walz, only essential game day staffers will be allowed for the three remaining regular season games.
But the problem goes well beyond Vikings games. The stadium has been largely shuttered since the COVID outbreak in March, lessening the need for security and staff to control crowds and sell food. College and high school games and dozens of gatherings that require catering have been canceled, along with giant concerts and an NCAA wrestling tournament.
Catherine Collins of Ideas with Moxie, the local consultants hired to lead the study, gave a brief presentation Thursday that included interviews with former stadium employees. She described Moxie's work as a "double-diamond design" of "discover, define, develop and deliver" to determine how U.S. Bank Stadium might support struggling past and present employees.
Collins said a group called Envision Community, which has members who have experienced homelessness and is affiliated with Hennepin Healthcare, has been part of the discussions. It's been working on a two-year affordable housing cooperative for low-income residents.
