A much-anticipated milestone for the Final Four in Minneapolis was unveiled Tuesday.
Crews are hanging curtains at U.S. Bank Stadium that will block out light coming into the facility, making playing conditions identical for the practices and games next month. The $4.6 million dollar curtains were required by the NCAA to host the event, but stadium officials say it will make the venue more competitive and versatile for hosting future events.
Seventy-five fabric panels measuring 10 by up to 370 feet are beign weaved through the roof. Officials say that process is about 55 percent complete before the April 1 deadline. Fabric similar to that used for theatre will cover the vertical windows.
Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority chair Michael Vekich says it’s an innovative technology done in partnership with Arizona company bluemedia that derives from sailing mechanisms.
"Through their process and research, they had adapted some sailing technology, basically using Keder and Keder rails," he said.
The blackout curtains, which cover the stadium's iconic glass wall that include large moving doors and the roof will remain in the stadium for future events. Officials say a large religious event in 2019 and 2021 will be able to utilize them, as well as musical acts.
It was held at Williams Arena in 1951, with that season's semifinals at different sites.
The Final Four was played at the Metrodome in 1992 and 2001.
The women's basketball Final Four took place at Target Center in 1995, and is returning to the downtown Minneapolis arena is 2022.