Vikings Stadium Gets More Private Money For Upgrades

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - The food service equipment budget at the new Minnesota Vikings stadium has received a hefty boost.

An additional $14 million has been earmarked for the upgrade, all from private sources: $10 million from food service provider Aramark and $2 million each from the Vikings and stadium operator SMG.

The Vikings also chipped in about $300,000 toward carpeting and flooring in various spaces around the venue.

The overall cost of the project has increased to $1.041 billion, following a series of extra contributions from the Vikings and now Aramark and SMG.

The Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority announced the additions at its meeting Friday. Construction is almost 40 percent completed, according to Mortensen officials. There are about 800 workers on site daily, with a peak of 1,200 expected this summer.