Vikings Question Future Safety Of Metrodome
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- What was supposed to be Vikings game preparation at the Metrodome is instead an emergency mix of snow, ice and roof repair equipment Friday night, five days after a roof collapse caused by record-breaking snow.
Thankfully the Vikings plan to borrow TCF Bank Stadium from the Minnesota Gophers, and fans can look forward to a modern outdoor experience.
The work continues to get the University of Minnesota stadium in "game day" shape for Monday's match-up between the Minnesota Vikings and Chicago Bears.
Crews finished getting most of the snow shoveled out Friday, but they're waiting to put a tarp down over the field to warm it up until later Friday night or Saturday morning.
The Vikings said they've added about 3,000 standing-room-only tickets near the end zone. That means about 54,000 fans will get in. Back at the Metrodome they can normally seat 64,000, not counting 98 suites.
Though Dec. 13 was the fourth time in its 29-year history the Metrodome has had a roof collapse, for the first time the Vikings are saying they are worried about returning to the Dome to play their remaining games next year.
Vikings officials said today on NewsRadio 830 WCCO they're worried about fan safety after the Dome roof is up and running again.
"I hope people don't lose sight of the tragedy of the roof collapsing and who knows if that facility is going to be safe? We've got some major concerns about it," said Vikings Vice President Lester Bagley.
The first pictures of the torn roof panel from inside the Dome reveal a huge hole still open to the sky. But Dome officials say it will be as safe, or safer, than before.
"People are obviously justifiably concerned, but our objective would be to allay those concerns through a process of the appropriate professionals certifying its safety," said Metrodome Executive Director William Lester.
Lester says damage to sports Domes is not unique, including damage from hurricanes which hit New Orleans and Houston stadiums in recent years.
"There are a number of examples around the country where repairs were then made. The building was certified and events took place successfully after that," said William Lester.
But the Dome disruption comes in the middle of the Vikings' attempts to secure a new stadium, and they say it's a symbol of a crumbling facility.
"I know the sports commission, their job is to calm people down and say, 'Everything is fine we're going to put it back together, it's going to be better than ever,'" said Lester Bagley.
The commission said not only will the four damaged panels be replaced, each of the other 102 will be tested.
WCCO-TV's Pat Kessler Reports
