MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Vikings have gotten the ceremonial key to their new home.

The Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority took over U.S. Bank Stadium at its meeting Friday. The public agency is in charge of the $1 billion stadium. The transfer allowed the sports authority to give Vikings owners the key six weeks ahead of schedule. Mortenson Construction was scheduled to reach the milestone July 29.

Finishing touches will continue throughout June, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony set for July 22. The first event is an international soccer match on Aug. 3.

Construction began in December of 2013. Eight thousand workers helped build the Vikings’ new home.