Citizens Continue To Call For Bird Safe Glass On New Vikings Stadium

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – It wasn't all about costs.

Friday morning's Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority hearing also centered around glass.

Supporters of using bird-safe glass at the new Vikings stadium made their presence felt.

"Is this the headline we're creating? Minnesota's new stadium known as a bird death trap," Lisa Venable of Minnetonka said.

"I have hundreds of postcards here delivered to you and your board asking you to change the stadium glass now," Wendy Hahn said.

Minnesota Citizens for the Protection of Migratory Birds made it clear where they stand.

They're asking the MSFA to call an audible and approve a million dollars to install bird safe glass.

"As a taxpayer I, and over 75,000 others who signed their name to a petition, are shocked at your decision to not use bird safe glass," Venable said.

But Friday's blitz went beyond the hearing.

The Audubon Chapter of Minnesota released a video calling on Gov. Dayton and MSFA Chair Michelle Kelm-Helgen, to change the glass now.

The MSFA wouldn't comment on the video and referred to the statement on their website which says they are taking part in the "Lights Out" program during migration times, but there's no mention of changing the glass.

The only promise made was that conversations will continue.

"We agreed to explore other ways along with the Audubon Society and we'll be doing some follow-up meetings," Kelm-Helgen said.

Glass for the new stadium was ordered in August and installation will begin in December.

The Audubon Society believes that the glass is in violation of the "Migratory Bird Act" and other laws, and they think it will eventually have to be replaced if it's installed.