Bittersweet End For Vikings Fans Leaving Metrodome For Last Time
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Minnesota Vikings fans are a bit melancholy after the Vikings beat the Lions at the Metrodome, but not enough to cause too much trouble for the dome's last stand.
Gallery: Farewell To Metrodome
The Minnesota Vikings wanted to make sure fans didn't tear apart the Metrodome, just as they did after the team's last game at Met Stadium in 1981. So, they had double the normal amount of security, watching the 64,000 fans in attendance Sunday.
There were a few seat backs torn away from the seats, but for the most part it appeared the fans left the Dome intact. This image was captured by WCCO Photographer Aaron Goodyear.
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Most fans just wanted to be there to say goodbye.
Viking fan Mike Rebitzer made a last-minute decision to drive to Minneapolis overnight from Davenport, Iowa to make it in time for the game.
"I had to show up," Rebitzer said. "I'm not even sure where we are sitting. We just got tickets. I would have felt bad if I didn't. I started to feel fan remorse at that point, there's no reason why I have all of the jerseys, and everything else. I said I have to go."
It's the unforgettable moments he can't help but remember.
"I've seen a lot of great games here, especially going back to the first year with Favre, Culpepper, Moss. It meant so much to me. I've enjoyed it so much," Rebitzer said.
There was a bit of nostalgia as fans like Rebitzer said farewell, making that last walk down the concourse and the last push out the door. Of course, there was one last cheer: "Skol Vikings!"
"I just can't wait till we have something new!" said Rebitzer.
Crews will begin with deflating the roof and tearing down the Metrodome mid-January. Also the seats inside the Dome are up for sale. They'll range from $40 for schools and nonprofits, up to $80 for the public.
