Metrodome
Address- 900 South 5th Street
Minneapolis, MN 55415
Team- Minnesota Vikings
Year Opened- 1982
Capacity- 64,121
Surface- Artificial
Full name of stadium- Hubert H. Humphry Metrodome
Sometimes called the "Thunderdome" for its acoustics, which allow crowd noise to reach ear-splitting levels, the Metrodome was erected in 1982 and is the only major stadium in the United States that operates without tax subsidies. Its most distinctive feature, the teflon-coated fabric roof, requires 250,000 cubic feet of air per minute to stay inflated.
Digital City Twin Cities
In 1982, the Minnesota Vikings moved indoors to the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in downtown Minneapolis, after spending 21 years at the Metropolitan Stadium. The Metrodome seats 64,121 and also features two Sony Jumbotron replay screens, 32 concession stands and 32 restrooms.
In 19 seasons at the Metrodome the Vikings have compiled a 115-59 record, which includes a 6-4 mark in the playoffs.
Construction of the Metrodome was financed through a successful partnership of public and private interests. Funded initially through the sale of 30-year bonds, the facility's debt was retired 14 years ahead of schedule. It is the only public stadium in the country that does not rely on a continuing tax subsidy to finance operations, maintenance or debt payments.
The Metrodome is owned and operated by the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission (MSFC), which was established by the Minnesota Legislature in 1977. Its original purpose was to act as a nonpartisan body in selecting a site for a new stadium that would serve the long-term interests of the metropolitan area.
Although many interests competed for the stadium's location, in the end it was metrowide and statewide cooperation that got the stadium built.
The Metrodome has been host to many marquee sporting events, including Super Bowl XXVI, the 1987 and 1991 World Series, the 1985 Major League Baseball All-Star Game, 1992 NCAA Final Four basketball tournament and the 1998 NFC Championship Game.
Minnesota Vikings
