Vikes Make Dome Debut, Fans Question If They Will Stay
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The Vikings made their Minnesota debut at the newly renovated Metrodome Saturday night, when they lost 23-17 to the Dallas Cowboys.
Despite the preseason loss, it's hard to forget the image of the Metrodome roof collapsing under the weight of the snow that last December's blizzard dumped upon it. The destruction caused the Vikes to finish their last two home games of the season on the road.
Eight months of hard work later, the Dome is ready to host games. The renovations include: a new roof overhead and fresh turf under the cleats.
Saturday, the purple faithful packed the new Dome, but many wondered if it will be the Vikings' final year at the stadium.
"It's kind of scary, because we don't know where they are going to be, you know, in the future, " said Ken Shank, a Vikings fan.
Molly Hall-Martin, another Vikings fan, made the journey from South Dakota to Minneapolis to see her team play.
"I've been a Vikings fan since I was in the second grade, and so it's been a dream to see a Vikings game at the Metrodome. So knowing this could be one of the last seasons here, I was like, 'We have to come'," she said.
For many who went to Saturday's game, the thought of the franchise leaving was at the forefront of their conversation. Their question was this: What will happen when the Viking's lease is up with the Metrodome at the end of this season?
"I don't think it's going to be the last [season]," said Glen Anderson, of St. Paul. "They will play here for three or four years, and off to the new stadium."
No matter what happens, many fans said they bleed purple and gold, and that they'll cheer on their team whether it's in downtown Minneapolis, Arden Hills or points unknown.
"Hopefully we'll get the stadium situation worked out and everybody will be happy about it, " said Jason Shumberger, of St. Paul.
