U.S. Bank Stadium has played host to mega-music acts like Luke Bryan and Metallica, to world-class soccer and, of course, to that little local team donned in purple. What's next for the shiny new venue? Enticing local women to a shopping extravaganza.
Starting Friday morning, the stadium's massive main concourse will be transformed into a holiday boutique with some 200 vendors selling everything from locally sourced honey to custom-made lamps to jewelry, toys and wearables. Event organizers expect 20,000 shoppers.
To really pull in the ladies, both Friday and Saturday are designated "girls nights" from 5 to 9 p.m.
"We'll have fun music, and every 15 minutes we'll give away prizes donated from local exhibitors and businesses. Plus we'll have bars set up so people can enjoy an adult beverage," said Jennifer Wallin, the brand manager for Holiday Boutique, which has held similar events in Kansas City.
Upon entering the stadium, shoppers will find a display of six holiday dresses created by local fashion designer Christopher Straub, best known from Season 6 of the reality series "Project Runway."
"They're made out of very iconic holiday elements — ornaments, bows, gift wrap, pine branches — and will be on display on mannequins. These are sewn dresses, with a fabric base and zippers, but it's a very Project Runway unconventional materials kind of challenge. You might not know it on first glance, but as you look deeper you see the elements of Christmas and the holidays," Straub said.
"I love that 'Oh, wow!' factor when people realize it's a dress made out of pine cones."
Straub's sketches of the dresses will be auctioned off for charity.
Several trees will be dressed up, too, decorated for the holidays and donated for purchase through a silent auction to raise money for Operation Warm: Coats for Kids.
Sound overwhelming? Wallin said organizers aimed to make it easy to get to the event with free bus and light rail passes available online and plenty of parking near the stadium. There will be a relaxation lounge and package check area, too, so you don't have to lug your finds around the enormous building.
Tickets are $10 online, $12 at the door; ages 12 and under free. Visit MinneapolisHolidayBoutique.com for more information.
Sue Campbell • 612-673-4032
