Giving the Dome a new roof

[a47mlb]

Does anyone have an educated reason why the dome can't be turned into an outdoor stadium? Or given a retractable roof after some remodeling/reinforcement?

[solbes]

Well I'm sure there was no drainage installed. There's probably no crown to the field either. Plumbing was probably not designed to handle -30F. Scoreboards not weatherproof. I'm sure there are many more I can't think of.

As to the retractable roof, the structure was not designed to handle that sized load. Maybe it could be strengthened, but I doubt it. At the end of the day it's a near 30 year old stadium that wasn't that impressive to begin with.

I think they could spruce it up inside for $150-250 million with a new or repaired roof though. Wilf's have already nixed this idea though. The suites are too small for them to rake in all of those extra millions

[bucketmouth64]

Didn't Bill Lester give Wilf's a proposal to renovate the Metrodome that included addional suites, seating, other amenities I can't remember, and I thought a retractable roof. I think Wilf's put a thumbs down on the idea.

[a47mlb]

They did it to Lambeau, didn't they? New suites, etc. How old is THAT place?

[zamboni]

All the cold weather outdoor stadiums have heating systems under the grass, the Dome has concrete

[creepworm]

I don't believe it would work to change the dome over without spending almost as much as a new stadium would cost. I think it is going to be one of those things where you are stuck with the dome, or start from scratch and build something decent.

[picksbigwagon]

Why???? Because ziggy would still not be getting parking and concession money....he now can hold the state hostage and basically get his stadium built. Maybe this time all the tax payees in the state can get an additional sales tax added with out a vote of the public (like target field)

[mrklean]

i talked to someone who said to actually make the dome an outdoor stadium with a heated ground, new seats, suites etc all that jazz to make it nice it would cost as much as tearing it down and going new

[Stcloudangler]

About 1/2 the cost, but near 500 mil.

[a47mlb]

I still think they could build a "box" over/around the dome so the bowl doesn't take on any weight, and put a retractable roof on the thing. Then you don't need to worry about drainage, weatherizing, etc.. Still think it could be cheaper than something brand new.

[zamboni]

Putting a roof on a stadium in Minnesota that is held up by air was just a poor decision, plain and simple. Superdome was more of a design we should have went with

[B. Amish]

it would be like putting a lean-to on a trailer house.

[solbes]

it would be like putting a lean-to on a trailer house.

Exactly. Remember that if a retro-fitted Metrodome was done, we'd have to live with it for another 30-40 years. With all of the narrow concourses, bare concrete, and minimalist design it's just not a good idea.

I personally believe he should sign a short term lease on the dump and then put up some more dough for a new one. Develop and privatize the area surrounging and have some of those future dollars kick into the investment money. They will still need public funding, but the higher the percentage is from ownership, the easier it should be to get support.

[Surface Tension]

What I find hard to believe is that there wasn't a procedure in place for a repair when something like that happens.

These things should be planned out BEFORE a collapse happens.

Totally unacceptable.

[CJH]

There is/has been. This is the 4th time they have had a problem with the roof. The record snow/ice is the main reason they haven't fixed it yet. They can't safely be working on it until they get it all cleaned off.

[nonteepical]

so whats the weight of this new snow going to do to the roof.