The Metrodome will be imploded early next year. The 31-year-old building is the only facility to host a Super Bowl, Final Four, World Series and MLB All-Star game. The dome has been home to the Vikings, Twins, Timberwolves and Gophers but the building’s owner, the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority, has no plans for a public goodbye.
Nostalgic fans will be interested in the Vikings’ last weekend at the dome (Mall of America Field), December 28 and 29. Season ticket holders can go down on the field, tour the locker room and meet Vikings alumni on December 28. The next day the Vikings close their regular season and era in the dome with a game against the Lions.
Vikings executive Lester Bagley told Sports Headliners the farewell plan on December 29 includes a postgame ceremony. Former and current Vikings will speak, with NFL Films providing visuals of the franchise’s highlights at the dome.
Fans will vote for an All-Mall of America team, selecting the best Vikings from 1982-2013. The team will be announced at the home game against the Eagles on December 15.
The Vikings are also working with Target on a 32 seasons promotion. Fans can share favorite Vikings memories at the Target Kiosk on the stadium plaza or via social media. More information is available from Vikings.com.
Bagley said the Vikings have produced commemorative items for the final season including publications and lapel pins, and will provide a gift to season ticket holders.
The Vikings will play home games at the University of Minnesota in 2014 and 2015 before opening their new stadium in 2016 on the present Metrodome site. Tear down of the dome will be done in phases and is expected to start around February 1.
“We’ll grind through our seasons at TFC Bank Stadium but we’re very excited about the new stadium,” Bagley said. “We want to give our fans a last shot, a last look (at the dome), and honor the best players that played for the Vikings at Mall of America field and kind of try to send it off in style.”