Protesters against the Dakota Access Pipeline rappel from the catwalk in U.S. Bank Stadium during the second half of an NFL football game between the Minnesota Vikings and the Chicago Bears on Sunday. (Jim Mone/Associated Press)

Protesters trying to stymie the Dakota Access oil pipeline sneaked up on a truss connected to the roof and rappelled down to unfurl a huge banner inside U.S. Bank Stadium during the Minnesota Vikings’ season finale against the Chicago Bears.

Play was not interrupted on the field during Sunday’s game, but eight rows of fans seated below the banner were cleared as a precaution. The two protesters — a man and a woman — were later arrested for trespassing, Minneapolis police spokesman Corey Schmidt said.

The banner urged Minneapolis-based U.S. Bank to divest from the four-state, $3.8 billion pipeline. Opponents say the pipeline could affect drinking water and Native American artifacts. Texas-based developer Energy Transfer Partners says the pipeline will be safe.

After rappelling into place in the second quarter, the protesters hung in a seated position about 100 feet above the seats that were evacuated for safety. The pair watched the rest of the game. Authorities declined to aggressively remove them out of safety concerns.

The protesters willingly climbed up their ropes as soon as the game was over. After speaking with authorities, they climbed down the stairs toward the concourse while being booed by a handful of fans who stayed to watch.

Vikings spokesman Lester Bagley said the team’s only concern is about the “safety of our fans and guests.”