You are all absolutely correct. I am an SU season ticket holder for both football and basketball and a HUGE Vikings fan. I took my family out to Minnesota this weekend to see the game against Houston. Wanted to make sure we were there in the innaugural season of US Bank Stadium.
It is, in a word, amazing. The glass on the side of the stadium which contains the massive pivoting doors gives a complete open feeling to the stadium particularly when the doors were open like yesterday. The ETFE roof is unlike anything I have ever seen. Definitely allows all the natural light in but really seemed to prevent glare (at least where I was sitting).
I specifically got tickets under the side of the stadium with the roof and on the opposite side of the pivoting doors. I wanted to have the full effect of being under that portion of the roof and being able to look out to see Minneapolis. It is awesome.
During the early stages of the process, people questioned whether it would be as loud as the Metrodome. I am sure you know the Metrodome was basically the same construct as the Carrier Dome. I have been fortunate enough to attend hundreds of games in the Carrier Dome, a Vikings game in the Metrodome, the 2003 Final Four, a Saints game in the Superdome, multiple bowls, road games at Michigan, Tennessee, Notre Dame, the ArenaBowl in Albany, etc. Yesterday's game which is the first regular season afternoon game at US Bank was as loud as any event I have ever been to.
The amenities including the interactive Vikings Voyage, the wi-fi, team store, etc. are all state of the art. The metro transit which basically can take you all the way from Target Field to US Bank Stadium to Mall of America worked like clockwork.
Although I am impatiently waiting the final design and more details on the Dome renovations, if they take their time and get it right the ETFE will allow so many options. I really do like the design that has never been actually confirmed by SU. If they can add some more of an open air feel in other areas aside the roof I think everyone will be really happy.
SUOrange44