National Football League

The Vikings' new $1.1 billion stadium might have a huge bird problem

Published Jul. 15, 2016 12:17 p.m. ET

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The new home of the Minnesota Vikings will open in one week but a big concern remains about the risk of collisions outside the stadium involving migratory birds. 

Environmentalists have noted that U.S. Bank Stadium's glassy exterior might attract and confuse birds, causing them to crash against the building and die. 

Vikings vice president Lester Bagley said that stadium workers have not witnessed such bird fatalities but said "we want to be good community partners, and this is an important issue."

So the Vikings and the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority (MSFA) have proposed a $300,000, three-year study -- a "scientific program to design, research, observe, monitor, analyze, and assess the potential impact of the stadium on bird mortality due to bird collisions.”

Some conservationists have urged for a more expeditious study or temporary measures to divert birds, but the MSFA has resisted those suggestions. According to the Minnesota Star-Tribune, the study proposal is expected to be approved.

The Vikings will play their first game at U.S. Bank Stadium on August 28 against the San Diego Chargers in their third pre-season contest.

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