Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome facts for kids
| The Metrodome, Mall of America Field, The Homerdome, The Dome, The Thunderdome | |
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| Location | 900 South 5th Street, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55415 |
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| Coordinates | 44°58′26″N 93°15′29″W / 44.97389°N 93.25806°W |
| Owner | Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission of Minnesota |
| Capacity | Baseball: 46,564 (expandable to 55,883) American football: 64,111 Basketball: 50,000 |
| Field size | Left Field: - 343 ft (105 m) Left-Center: - 385 ft (117 m) Center Field: - 408 ft (124 m) Right-Center: - 367 ft (112 m) Right Field: - 327 ft (100 m) Backstop: - 60 ft (18 m) Dome Apex: - 186 ft (57 m) Wall: - 7 feet (left and center field) Wall: - 23 feet (right field) |
| Surface | Sportexe (2010-2013) FieldTurf (2004-2010) AstroTurf (1987-2003) SuperTurf (1982-1986) |
| Construction | |
| Broke ground | December 20, 1979 |
| Opened | April 3, 1982 |
| Closed | December 29, 2013 |
| Demolished | January 18, 2014 - (in progress) |
| Construction cost | $68 million |
| Architect | Skidmore, Owings & Merrill |
| Tenants | |
| Minnesota Vikings (NFL) (1982–2013) Minnesota Golden Gophers (NCAA baseball) (occasional games 1985–2013) Minnesota Twins (MLB) (1982–2009) Minnesota Golden Gophers (NCAA football) (1982 – 2008) Minnesota Strikers (NASL) (1984) Minnesota Timberwolves (NBA) (1989–1990) Super Bowl XXVI (1992) NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament (1986, 1989, 1992, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2006, 2009) |
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The Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, usually called the Metrodome, was a famous sports stadium in downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA. It was a "domed" stadium, meaning it had a roof that covered the playing field. The field was later renamed Mall of America Field at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in 2009.
The Metrodome opened in 1982. It took the place of two older stadiums: Metropolitan Stadium and Memorial Stadium. The Metrodome was home to the National Football League's Minnesota Vikings. It also hosted the Minnesota Twins baseball team from 1982 to 2009. The Golden Gophers college football team played there from 1982 to 2008.
The Vikings played their last game at the Metrodome on December 29, 2013. The stadium was then torn down starting in January 2014. A new stadium, U.S. Bank Stadium, was built in its place and opened in 2016. While the new stadium was being built, the Vikings played at TCF Bank Stadium on the University of Minnesota campus.
Contents
Teams and Events at the Metrodome
The Metrodome was a very busy place! Many different sports teams called it home over the years. It also hosted many big events.
Home to Major Sports Teams
- The Minnesota Vikings (NFL football) played all their home games there from 1982 to 2013.
- The Minnesota Twins (MLB baseball) played there from 1982 to 2009. They then moved to Target Field.
- The Minnesota Golden Gophers (college football) played there from 1982 to 2008. They later moved back to their campus stadium, TCF Bank Stadium.
- The Minnesota Golden Gophers baseball team also played some games there.
- The Minnesota Timberwolves (NBA basketball) played their first season there in 1989-1990.
Big Events Hosted
The Metrodome was chosen to host several important sports events:
- Super Bowl XXVI in 1992. This is the championship game of the NFL.
- The Major League Baseball All-Star Game in 1985. This game features the best players from different teams.
- The NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament Final Four in 1992 and 2001. This is the championship part of the college basketball tournament.
- It also hosted other college basketball tournament games many times.
The Metrodome's Unique Roof
The Metrodome was famous for its unique roof. It was an "air-supported" roof. This means giant fans blew air into the stadium to keep the roof inflated, like a huge balloon. The roof was made of a special fabric.
Roof Challenges
Sometimes, the roof had problems. Heavy snow or strong winds could cause it to sag or even tear.
- In December 2010, a big snowstorm caused the roof to tear. This made it deflate, and games had to be moved.
- After this, a new roof was put in place in 2011.
Life of the Metrodome
The Metrodome was built for about $68 million. It was designed by a company called Skidmore, Owings & Merrill.
Construction and Opening
- Construction began on December 20, 1979.
- The stadium officially opened on April 3, 1982.
Closing and Demolition
- The last game was played on December 29, 2013.
- The stadium began to be torn down on January 18, 2014. It was completely gone by early 2014 to make way for the new U.S. Bank Stadium.
Images for kids
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An entrance to the Metrodome
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Metrodome roof (1982–2010)
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Metrodome roof (2011–2013)
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The deflated roof after heavy snow caused it to tear in 2010.
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The new roof in early August 2011.
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The Metrodome field set up for baseball.
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The Metrodome's "baggie" in right field.
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Inside the Metrodome during a Vikings game in 2013.
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Action during a Twins game in 2004.
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Action during a 1999 Vikings game.
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Pre-game activities at a Vikings game in December 2007.
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The Metrodome set up for the 2009 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament.
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The Metrodome during a Gophers game in 2003.
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The Metrodome in 2008, before a Gophers vs. Michigan game.
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Mall of America Field signage at the Metrodome.
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The Metrodome with its roof deflated, on February 3, 2014.
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The Metrodome on February 26, 2014, during demolition.
See also
In Spanish: Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome para niños
