With every hurdle cleared and an architectural design firm hired, the Minnesota Vikings are truly ready to begin work on their future $975 million stadium that will replace the Metrodome. HKS Inc. was the company selected to handle the design, and they boast a solid reputation in the world of spots venues. If that doesn't do it for your confidence, perhaps this piece from the Star Tribune will. Mark Williams, a principal with HKS and someone who will be working on the new stadium, is a longtime fan of the Vikings.
Williams, who is from Marshalltown, always made it a point to attend games at the old Bloomington's Metropolitan Stadium and then, of course, the Metrodome. Williams said that the team and the stadium experience is "near and dear" to him:
"I know how much these buildings mean to people. So we take it very seriously. And we know what we do and how we design it will have a huge effect on the success of the building."
Still, even if someone like Williams wasn't on board, the Vikings and their fans are in good hands, regardless. HKS designed Lucas Oil Stadium, where the Indianapolis Colts play, and that behemoth of a stadium over in Dallas where the Cowboys call home. Other than that, they've designed multiple MLB ballparks and minor league stadiums as well. It really does look like the best firm got the contract in this one.