May 18, 2018 (Minneapolis, MN) In late 2017, with the assistance of Minnesota Management and Budget, the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority (MSFA) started a national search for a new Executive Director to oversee the management of operations and finances of U.S. Bank Stadium. The MSFA board interviewed finalists in April, and today, appointed a new Executive Director, James Farstad, who has been serving as the Interim Executive Director of the MSFA since January 2018.

“The board unanimously agreed that Jim is the right choice to oversee the details of the management of U.S. Bank Stadium going into its third year of operation,” said MSFA chair, Michael Vekich. “Jim joins the MSFA with a unique understanding of this building, the contracts in place regarding construction and use, and the importance of relationships with our stakeholders.”
Board members commented that Mr. Farstad’s long term facility strategy balanced the needs of the major tenant, the Minnesota Vikings, and a view of the facility as a regional and statewide asset to be utilized by the residents of the state as the stadium legislation intended.
“Following a national recruiting effort coordinated with MMB, the process to find a new Executive Director was very thoughtful and deliberate, and we were very impressed by the other finalists’ credentials. The board saw Jim’s experience working with local and regional government, as well as private business as a great asset moving forward. He also brings experience in strategic planning, conflict resolution, organizational management, and contract negotiation,” stated Vekich.
Mr. Farstad has been the chief technology advisor for U.S. Bank Stadium through construction and opening. He has also served twice as the Interim Executive Director. His experience working with leadership teams including the Minnesota Vikings, HKS (the stadium architect) Mortenson (the stadium constructor), SMG (the stadium management company), and Aramark (the stadium concessionaire) was noted as one of many of Mr. Farstad’s greatest assets in considering him for the Executive Director position.3



About MSFA and U.S. Bank Stadium

U.S. Bank Stadium, owned by the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority, is a multi-purpose stadium and home to the Minnesota Vikings. The 66,200 seat stadium is located in the heart of Minneapolis, Minnesota. This state-of-the-art facility hosts prominent national and international programming including the Minnesota Vikings, concerts, family shows, college and high school sporting events, conventions, trade/consumer shows, and corporate or private meetings and other community events. U.S. Bank Stadium opened on July 22, 2016 and has hosted the Summer X Games (2017 through 2020), Super Bowl LII (2018) and will host the NCAA Men’s Final Four (2019).