The Minnesota Vikings may not be moving into their new stadium until 2016, but they are set to break ground on an interesting new venture for breastfeeding mothers next month.
When the Vikings host the Kansas City Chiefs on October 18 at TCF Bank Stadium, they will be the first NFL franchise to install lactation suites.
"Creating a family-friendly environment and a positive experience for all fans at our football games is paramount to the Minnesota Vikings," Vikings chief operating officer Kevin Warren said in a statement.
"While we certainly encourage breastfeeding mothers to nurse where they feel comfortable, we have become increasingly aware of the need many moms have for the privacy and comfort that these Mamava lactation suites provide."
The mobile four-by-eight-foot suite features benches and an electrical outlet for plugging in a breast pump in a clean and private setting.
"Until now female NFL fans who have wanted privacy for feeding have had to nurse or pump in a bathroom, or worse yet, stay home due to the lack of amenities for nursing," said Sascha Mayer, co-founder of Mamava, the creators of the lactation stations.
The Vikings plan to install four lactation suites; two in the Vikings corporate offices and two at TCF Bank Stadium.