Security at US Bank Stadium to be made of multiple law enforcement agencies this season
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UPDATE 7/28/22 – It will be a team effort when it comes to security at Vikings games this year at US Bank Stadium.
The Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority voted Wednesday to pass a joint powers agreement.
According to the agreement, it will allow other law enforcement agencies to work games at the stadium, not just Minneapolis police officers.
Earlier this month, a Vikings representative told 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS a shortage of officers within the Minneapolis Police Department could impact their off-duty roles at the games.
Earlier this summer, the department reported it has 564 active officers, but they have a budget for 756.
US Bank Stadium
Wednesday’s vote provides a solution to the issue.
“This would really become a new tool in the tool box to maintain security,” said Jay Lindgren, a public-private partnership attorney at Dorsey & Whitney LLP. “The Minneapolis Police Department would continue to have overall incident command.”
The other law enforcement agencies who will have joint powers have yet to be decided.
INITIAL REPORT 7/27/22 – The first training camp practice will be held Wednesday for Vikings players, coaches and staff.
The practice will be held at TCO Performance Center in Eagan, and is closed to the public.
Fans will be able to watch a team practice for the first time on Saturday.
A total of 14 practices will be open to the public, and the first preseason game is Aug. 14.
RELATED: Single-game Vikings tickets to go on sale Thursday morning
Also happening Wednesday – security at the Vikings’ U.S. Bank Stadium will be discussed during the Minnesota Sports Facility Authority meeting.
Minneapolis police have been the primary face of security at the stadium since it opened.
However, earlier this month, a representative for the team told 5 EYE WITNESS NEWS the team started reaching out to other local and state law enforcement agencies because of MPD staffing shortages.
RELATED: Depleted MPD force to have reduced US Bank Stadium security role
The department has a budget for 756 officers, but as of June, only had 564 active officers.
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