Sorry to disappoint those who believe it was a conspiracy but the collapse of the Metrodome roof was not scripted to assist the Vikings stadium campaign.
That’s ridiculous but so, too, is taking an “Aw, shucks” attitude about the tear in the roof that caused the Vikings-Giants game, scheduled for yesterday in the dome, to be moved to Detroit. The hole in the roof is the latest indictment about the antiquated facility that the Vikings have said needs to be replaced.
This is not how the NFL, the most successful of all professional leagues, operates. Not by a long shot, having to move a game on less than 48 hours notice to another state. With that move came notice that Vikings ticket holders can enjoy preferred seating in Detroit’s Ford Field while local residents will be admitted free.
The NFL doesn’t like to disappoint fans, TV executives and advertisers. It certainly doesn’t want to see fans or stadium workers placed in peril because of infrastructure problems with a facility.
The blizzard that caused the roof to collapse was unusual but a fixed roof facility with modern technology would be expected to withstand such a development. The dome is a relic that doesn’t provide the reliability, revenue streams and fan comforts that are expected in today’s NFL.
These points will surely be made next year when the Vikings and others who support a multiple use covered facility campaign for a new stadium in the legislature. In a statement yesterday, Lester Bagley, the Vikings stadium development leader said:
“The Vikings main concern is the safety of our fans and those working within the Metrodome — fortunately, there were no injuries when the roof collapsed. It is not appropriate to discuss the new stadium issue today. Those conversations will occur in due time.”
As they should.