MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – Want to add your two cents into the design plans for the new Vikings stadium for downtown Minneapolis? On Monday night, you will get your chance as the first in a series of public meetings on the design commence at the Minneapolis Convention Center.

Representatives from HKS Sports and Entertainment Group, the architects selected to design the new stadium, will be on hand to explain what they have in mind and take suggestions and comments from the public.

“It’s important that people have an opportunity to really bring forth their ideas for the design for both the outside of the stadium, the plaza, the connections to the neighborhood and the businesses around it,” said Michele Kelm-Helgen, chair of the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority.

It’s an rare opportunity to comment and offer suggestions for the design, and maybe get them integrated into the design plans. Participants may also get a sneak peak at a new spin on the idea of a retractable roof, wherein the upper walls of the stadium would retract and offer fans panoramic views of the Twin Cities.

“It would be a fixed roof with almost a big arch that would open up to the downtown,” Kelm-Helgen said. “And when you look at that, you would get some of the sky view, as well as the view looking out toward the plaza into downtown.”

Kelm-Helgen added that the MSFA is committed to the project coming in on time and on budget, underscoring the limitations of the final design.

Upwards of 200 people may be coming, so arrive early. The meeting starts at 5:30 p.m. in Ballroom B and should run for about an hour. A signup sheet for public comments will be available.

Kelm-Helgen hopes to hold at least three other public hearings in the near future in Duluth, Mankato and Rochester.