U.S. Bank Stadium Brings Record Numbers to MSHSL Football and Soccer Championships

The inaugural football and soccer championships at the new stadium drew a 22 percent and 50 percent increase in attendance

November was a time for all of Minnesota to experience the awe of the state’s world class stadium. Welcoming almost 115,000 Minnesotans to watch high school sports in October and November, U.S. Bank Stadium had the chance to show its community benefit – with 100 percent of the ticket revenue going to the Minnesota State High School League.

High School Football

The first year of the high school football semi-finals and Prep Bowl at U.S. Bank Stadium stirred up great excitement for participants, while motivating players and coaches to make it to this world class stadium in years to come. "Words and phrases like, 'fantastic', 'thrilled', 'the best experience of my life', and 'I'll work as hard as I can to get my team here next year' were echoed again and again at the Prep Bowl games by fans, coaches and players," MSHSL Executive Director Dave Stead said.

For the two days of football championships, 91,353 fans were welcomed to the iconic new stadium. This year’s championships saw an astounding 22 percent increase in attendance over the last finals at the Metrodome.

Champions included:

• 6A: Totino-Grace
• 5A: Elk River
• 4A: Benilde-St. Margaret’s
• 3A: Rochester Lourdes
• 2A: Caledonia
• 1A: Minneapolis North
• 9-Man: Grand Meadow

Prep Bowl Alumni Celebration

In conjunction with the 6A Prep Bowl game, the MSFA, MSHSL and Minnesota Vikings welcomed former Prep Bowl players and coaches for a special celebration to mark the first year of high school football at the new stadium. Prep Bowl record holders were honored on the field at half-time, with honorary chairs Matt Birk, Cretin-Derham Hall Alum and former Vikings player, and Isaac Fruechte, two-time Prep Bowl champion and current Minnesota Vikings player, taking part in proceedings of the honorary event.

The alumni celebration saw upwards of 500 former players and coaches register and attend the Prep Bowl with more than thirty of the Prep Bowl record holders on hand to receive their commemorative gift.

High School Soccer

Showing its versatility, U.S. Bank Stadium welcomed 24,034 visitors for the three day MSHSL Soccer Championships. The passionate teams and their fans contributed to a 50 percent attendance increase in the first year at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Champions include:

• Boys 2A: Stillwater
• Boys 1A: St. Thomas Academy
• Girls 2A: Centennial
• Girls 1A: Benilde-St. Margaret’s

Inline Skating and Running

A popular event that began at the Metrodome, inline skating and running at U.S. Bank Stadium kicked off again in December. Back by popular demand, U.S. Bank Stadium has added more dates through March 2017. Dates vary, but inline skating will be open to the public from 5-8 PM with tickets available at the box office. For more information on dates and tickets, visit U.S. Bank Stadium Online.