By Zjan Shirinian

Minneapolis will host the Superbowl in 2018 for only the second time ©Getty ImagesThe new $1 billion (£593 million/€733 million) Vikings Stadium in Minneapolis has been awarded the 2018 Superbowl.

The American football showpiece will be held in the Midwestern state of Minnesota for only the second time in history, after the 1992 event.

Sixteen years on, the under-construction Vikings Stadium, which will boast a retractable roof and seats for up to 73,000 people, will stage the 52nd championship match.

It is due to open in 2016, with the Vikings playing at the University of Minnesota while it is built.

Minneapolis beat bids from New Orleans, which last hosted the Superbowl in 2012, and Indianapolis, which stage the contest last year.

"We are thrilled to bring the Super Bowl back to Minnesota," said Richard Davis, who chaired the bid committee.

"We succeeded in making the best case to the NFL owners by pointing out the many strengths our region offers."

The Metrodome, pictured in January, before being demolished, staged the Superbowl in 1992 ©Bloomberg via Getty ImagesThe Metrodome, pictured in January before being demolished, staged the Superbowl in 1992 ©Bloomberg via Getty Images



The only other Superbowl in Minneapolis, at the now demolished Metrodome, was won by the Washington Redskins 37-24 over the Buffalo Bills.

"We appreciate the collaborative effort from Minnesota's business and community leadership in putting together this winning bid," said Vikings owner Mark Wilf, according to Reuters.

"It was evident to me and my brother Zygi that the other NFL owners were extremely impressed with everything Minnesota had to offer, and we have no doubt they will be even more excited with what the community will deliver in February 2018."

The 2018 Superbowl will be televised by NBC, provisionally on February 4.

This year's game, won by the Seattle Seahawks, was held in the MetLife Stadium, New Jersey.

Arizona stages next year's Superbowl on February 1, with the 50th in 2016 in California.

The 2017 Superbowl is due to be held in Houston, Texas.

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