With Minnesota Vikings Schedule Out, Metrodome on the Hot Seat

With the 2011-2012 Minnesota Vikings schedule released, the Metrodome is now on the hot seat. They will have to make sure to finish their rebuilding schedule by the first game. Of course, this is all barring a lockout since there may not even be a season. Hopefully the Metrodome will be completed in time for the Minnesota Vikings to play their preseason games as well. The first two preseason games are on the road, giving the process two more weeks to complete.

Metrodome Roof Making Progress

The Metrodome Roof is currently being installed, literally as we speak. The harsh Minnesota spring/water has made it tough for the workers, but they are still diligently at work. Reportedly, half of the 64 panels have already been replaced and work is still on schedule to be completed by August 1st, 2011. Crews are working on it 10 hours per day, 6 days a week.

Metrodome Roof Update

The Metrodome Roof Repair will officially begin today. The repairs should take the rest of the spring and a large part of the summer, as three large panels will be replaced before the roof is reinflated. After that part is completed, then comes the cleanup of the field. Slowly but surely the Metrodome roof will be back on, and hopefully games will be played. The hope is that the Minnesota Vikings will be playing there for the 2011-2012 NFL Season. Bookmark my blog for any Metrodome roof updates!

Insurance Will Cover Roof Replacement

From the Star Tribune:

"The Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission said Thursday that it will receive $22.7 million from its insurer, Affiliated FM, to replace the 29-year-old roof ripped open during a Dec. 12 blizzard."

"According to the work schedule, the job of replacing the roof is expected to take 120 days, ending with inflation of the roof in the last week of July. New roof panels will arrive every week or so from now through late June."

That is definitely good news for the HHH Metrodome. I am glad to hear that they will receive a $22.7 million insurance boost and that it end in July.

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RT Rybak Only Supports New Minnesota Vikings Stadium At or Near Metrodome Location

The Minnesota Vikings are working on a new stadium. The mayor of Minneapolis, RT Rybak, wants to see a new stadium for the fans of the Minnesota Vikings. Last week, RT Rybak voiced his opinion on the ongoing location debate. Rybak only supports a new stadium at or near the current Metrodome location. While Rybak has said he believes the Metrodome is the best site available, he has stopped short of criticizing the Arden Hills location that poses as a possbility for a new stadium. Hopefully RT Rybak can help in the stadium negotations.

New Roof Installation Begins, Will Cost $25 Million

The new roof being installed to the Metrodome is officially underway. The new roof is coming from the same firm that put in the original Metrodome roof 30 years ago. The Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission held a bid opening Thursday. The only bid received was from Birdair Inc. of New York.

Birdair’s bid was $18.3 million for the installation of the new roof with almost $700,000 in additional costs that included prior analysis of the roof to the decision being made that the entire roof would need replacing rather than just the five panels that tore away during the roof collapse in December.

The Metrodome Will Be Fixed

The Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission approved an $18.3 million roof replacement for the Metrodome last Thursday. The roof will be completed by the beginning of August, which is only weeks before the Minnesota Vikings preseason begins. The commission voted unanimously to approve the 10-acre Teflon-coated dome, deciding against repairing the torn roof. The Minnesota Vikings lease with the Metrodome expires in a year, and the team has been seeking a long-term plan with funding a new stadium. Either way, I'm glad that we know where they will be playing in the 2011 season (barring a lockout).