It’s Been 10 Years Since The Metrodome Roof Collapsed
It's been 10 years since the roof of the Metrodome stadium in Minneapolis collapsed under the weight of heavy snow. But did you know, this wasn't the only time? Let's take a look back at the most recent collapse and other ones over the years.
On December 12, 2020 Minneapolis was pounded by a heavy snowstorm, bringing 17 inches of snow. High winds prevented snow removal crews from doing their work. The weight of the snow caused the inflatable dome roof to "deflate", leading to the snow tearing through the top of the roof and pouring down onto the field. To refresh your memory, here's a video from Fox Sports.
They had a game scheduled against the New York Giants that was rescheduled for Monday in Detroit. This year rescheduled games are very common place due to COVID-19, but 10 years ago it was not a usual thing to have to move a game.
Looking back over the years, it turns out this was the fifth and final time that the Metrodome roof collapsed.
When the stadium first opened in the 1980's, it had collapsed several times, all due to weather conditions. On November 19, 1981 the roof collapsed after a foot of snow. Then again on December 30, 1982, a tear from heavy snow caused it to deflate. On April 14, 1983 late spring heavy snow caused another collapse. Then high winds created a tear in the roof during a Twins game on April 26, 1986. The dome technically did not collapse that time, but if there was weight on it, it would have.
The Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome was demolished in 2014. The Twins went on to play in their new stadium Target Field. The Vikings played at TCF Bank Stadium until the completion of the U.S. Bank Stadium.