Vikings fans will see 3M technology nearly everywhere they look inside the stadium – from the graphic films and DI-NOC architectural finishes in concessions, to the fluoroplastic ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) on the clear, lightweight and self-cleaning roof constructed by Vector Foiltec (Bremen, Germany) with film manufactured from 3M Dyneon fluoroplastic
ETFE by Nowofol Kunststoffprodukte GmbH (Siegsdorf, Germany).
The stadium’s 248,000 square-foot roof is covered by 75 three-layer ETFE film cushions, making it the first stadium in the U.S. to use an ETFE roof. The film is designed with a geometric print pattern which scatters the sunlight and prevents a greenhouse effect in summer, but protects fans from frigid temperatures in the winter. It is also only about 5% of the weight of glass and the film cushions allow 95% of daylight to pass through.
During construction, 3M provided builders personal safety products like eye wear, helmets and hearing protection. 3M fire barrier products will also protect the stadium for years to come. There are about 11 different 3M fire barrier products in the stadium: CP 25, IC 15, 3000, WT, Cast in Devices, 615+, Plenum wrap, Tuck in Strips, FD150, FD 200, 1000, 1003, SS 100.
“Our products are used for containing fire, smoke and toxic gas from spreading to larger areas, as required by U.S. building code regulation,” said Fanna Haile-Selassie, Media Relations Manager, 3M.
“Fire protection products save lives, protect assets and minimize interruption of business operations in the event of a fire. Applications include through-penetration services, construction joints, emergency ventilation and kitchen grease duct structures, as well as other building components that require fire and life safety considerations.” (GD)
"We’re proud to partner with the Minnesota Vikings to help bring the story of 3M science to an even broader audience,” said Don Branch, Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for 3M. “We can apply our science in so many ways to help provide customer solutions. More than 50 3M products have gone into the design and build of this architectural marvel – U.S. Bank Stadium.”
3M commonly known for its optical films and advanced plastic polymers that offer different properties. The company has been lobbied by animal rights advocates to create a window film for the stadium that could be seen by birds that might otherwise fly straight into the glass and die.
“The Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority, Vikings, 3M and the Audubon Society continue to work together on a potential bird-safe window film solution,” adds Haile-Selassie. “Our efforts have been positive and collaborative, and the group hopes to have more information to share in the near future.”
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