UBU Sports completes Vikings stadium installation

UBU Sports has completed installation of its Speed Series S5-M synthetic turf surface at U.S. Bank Stadium, the new home of the Minnesota Vikings. The grand opening for U.S. Bank Stadium was held July 22, while the first sporting event — the 2016 International Champions Cup match between AC Milan and Chelsea – will formally open the venue on August 3. NFL football comes to U.S. Bank Stadium on August 28 when the Vikings host the San Diego Chargers in a preseason game, while the first regular season game is Sunday night, September 18, against NFC North rival Green Bay Packers.

“With the field now fully installed at U.S. Bank Stadium, the venue truly looks and feels like the home of the Minnesota Vikings,” said Vikings Chief Operating Officer Kevin Warren. “More importantly than the aesthetics, however, is that the UBU Speed Series gives our players a safe environment to perform at their highest levels.” The Vikings are the fifth NFL team to trust their game field to UBU Sports, joining the New York Giants, New York Jets, Cincinnati Bengals and the New Orleans Saints. In total, 14 NFL teams practice and/or play their home games on a UBU Sports surface.

“It’s very gratifying seeing the finished product and the corresponding excitement from the Vikings community as they prepare to start a new chapter in this magnificent new venue,” said UBU Sports CEO Mark Nicholls. “The Vikings recognize that not all surfaces are created equal and that it matters what you play on. Providing their athletes with the highest quality surface in the industry reaffirms their unwavering commitment to excellence as an organization.”

“Our commitment to player safety has never wavered,” said Vikings Chief Financial Officer Steve Poppen. “We believe we have selected the best possible product for the future home of the Vikings. We appreciate UBU’s collaboration with our turf management crew on this critical piece of U.S. Bank Stadium.”

The Speed Series S5-M synthetic turf system features Harmony slit-film fiber and a mixture of resilient particles and sand infill that ensures a fast, firm, safe and durable playing surface. The Speed Series incorporates ISO Grid fiber spacing ensuring consistent playability throughout the field, and features a dynamic multiple layer ARMOURWEAVE backing system that ensures dimensional stability and long-lasting seams. The Speed Series S5-M also feature UBU-4K coloration and incorporates a Removable Active Panel (RAP) system for seamless event conversion.