ST. PAUL, Minn. -- Minnesota Super Bowl 52 is only 18 days away and many preparations are already underway.
"So we've started now to build out a lot in the stadium. Whether those are additional media booths, or start to put in the decor, or finish off the security perimeter," said Peter O'Reilly, senior vice president of events for the National Football League.
O'Reilly joined Lester Bagley, Minnesota Vikings executive vice president of public affairs, for "A Bold North Panel" during the St. Paul Area Chamber of Commerce's membership meeting on Wednesday.
Moderated by Mike Wobschall (Wobby), senior manager of content for the Vikings Entertainment Network, the pair spoke about all things Vikings and Super Bowl 52.
Bagley reflected all the way back to when U.S. Bank Stadium didn't exist.
"Part of the vision was to create this home-field advantage which we've gotten through our fan base and the energy that you feel on game day, and part of the vision was to host a Super Bowl, and part of the vision was to play in the Super Bowl so there's still one issue yet to be resolved," Bagley said.
If the Vikings do play in the Super Bowl, there's a plan in place.
"Should the Vikings be in the game, they use their facility in Winter Park. They'll practice there. The Vikings--should they be in the game--would be on their home sideline in their home locker room. So that was built into our planning last year," O'Reilly said.
While we don't know yet who will play in Super Bowl 52, setup is underway for different events.
According to O'Reilly, Justin Timberlake is getting ready for his halftime show.
"He's rehearsing right now and is in the midst of rehearsals every single day. He will come into town Wednesday or so Super Bowl week, maybe Tuesday night, and then will be rehearsing all the way through there," O'Reilly said.
According to Bagley, 5,800 members of the media are booked to come to Minnesota's Super Bowl--a new record.
Super Bowl Opening Night Fueled by Gatorade will take place at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul on January 29. It's a primetime event that will feature the first interaction that players and coaches from the two teams have with the media upon arrival in Minnesota.
O'Reilly went on to say, "We're going to actually link it to Minneapolis, so link the Twin Cities on Monday night and throw live to Nicollet Mall for a Prince tribute with Sheila E., The Revolution and Morris Day and the Time. So kind of tying the two cities together to kick off the week. So thrilled about that."
The Minnesota Super Bowl Host Committee expects the game will leave an economic impact of more than $400 million.