Minneapolis on elite list of only 15 cities to host the Super Bowl

Updated

The Twin Cities area is preparing to host its second Super Bowl this coming Sunday. The New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles (and thousands of very fortunate fans) have descended upon Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota, for the big game, which will take place at U.S. Bank Stadium, home of the Minnesota Vikings.

We know what you're thinking -- Minnesota is seriously cold in February. Why is such a major sporting event being held there?

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The host city for each Super Bowl is chosen several years ahead of the actual game, and the NFL reportedly has a lengthy list of requirements that stadiums must fulfill to be selected. Among these requirements, according to Sports Illustrated, are the building's ability to hold at least 70,000 fans, allowing the NFL to install ATMs that favor its preferred cards and, strangely, having at least two "top quality" bowling alleys (and three golf courses) nearby for reservations.

Minneapolis has met these requirements with two different stadiums. The last Super Bowl held in the city, Super Bowl XXVI between the Washington Redskins and Buffalo Bills, was held in the now-demolished Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome.

While hosting two Super Bowls may seem like a pretty big undertaking, Minneapolis only ranks No. 11 on the list of 15 cities that have hosted the big game the most times.

Within the 15 host cities, a total of 26 different stadiums have been or will be utilized.

See all of the host cities below:

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