MINNEAPOLIS, July 13 (UPI) -- A new roof installed on the Metrodome in Minneapolis was inflated for the first time Wednesday ahead of schedule, the Minnesota Vikings announced.
The stadium's old fiberglass-and-Teflon dome was damaged beyond repair during a December snowstorm, forcing the team to play their final two home games of the 2010 season in other venues.
The Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission, which owns and operates the facility, now called Mall of America Field, had originally predicted the new roof would be ready by Aug. 1, but the Vikings said the work had been completed early.
"Today's roof inflation means the project is ahead of schedule and ensures that Mall of America Field will be the Vikings' home during the 2011 season," team President Mark Wilf said in a statement. "We are excited about getting our home field advantage back and playing in front of Vikings fans this year."
The Vikings are still negotiating with the Minnesota Legislature and Gov. Mark Dayton on plans to build new, a taxpayer-subsidized stadium in suburban Arden Hills, Minn.
They have been mentioned prominently as a possible tenant for a new stadium in Los Angeles.
