Metrodome may be ready August 12 - Ingles

With the re-roofing job on track, the Metrodome's operators anticipate that the storm-damaged stadium will be ready to host events again August 12, officials said Wednesday. This article was written by Kevin Duchschere and appeared in The Minneapolis Star Tribune.

"This is optimistic and our best bet right now," said Bill Lester, executive director of the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission.

Among the first events: an open house to celebrate the Dome's new $18 million fiberglass roof, now in the process of being installed by a work crew of 50.

The commission met in committee Wednesday for an update on the roof repair schedule and to discuss possible events before the first Vikings' home game at the refurbished Dome on Aug. 27.

Dome engineer Steve Maki said that Birdair Inc., the contractor hired to oversee the roof work, expects to inflate the new roof the last week of July so that the job is substantially complete by the target date of Aug. 1.

It will take only two to four hours to fully inflate the roof, he said.

The city of Minneapolis will need a few days to inspect the project, and Maki said that Dome workers also will need a few days to groom the playing field, now a construction site covered with three layers of plywood.

Bobbi Ellenberg, the Dome's events manager, said plans are underway for an open house on Aug. 20 to mark the Dome's reopening. Several activities and events are being considered, many of them including regular Dome users.

"It's a large public relations opportunity and we should use our experts to the max," Commissioner Peggy Lucas said.

The Dome roof collapsed Dec. 12 in the aftermath of a blizzard. Work began on replacing the roof in late March. This article was written by Kevin Duchschere and appeared in The Minneapolis Star Tribune.