Metrodome History
History
The home of the Vikings and Twins, Metropolitan Stadium, was judged to have
limited amenities for fans. Harsh winters in the early 1970s contributed to the
desire for an indoor venue. Construction success of other domed stadiums
particularly the Silverdome in Detroit paved the way for voters to approve
funding for a new stadium. Downtown Minneapolis was beginning a revitalization
program, and the return of professional sports from suburban Bloomington was
seen as a major success story.
Construction on the Metrodome began on December 20, 1979 and was funded by the
state of Minnesota.
The stadium was named in memoriam to former mayor of Minneapolis, U.S. Senator
and U.S. Vice President, Hubert Humphrey, who had died in 1978.
Major events
The 1985 MLB All-Star Game, games of the 1987 and the 1991 World Series, Super
Bowl XXVI in 1992, were all held at the Metrodome.
The NCAA Final Four was held at the Metrodome in 1992 and 2001. Duke University
was the winner on both occasions. The Metrodome has also served as one of the
four regional venues for the Final Four in 1986, 1989, 1996, 2000, 2003 and most
recently, 2006.
The Metrodome is the only venue in the world to host a MLB All-Star Game (1985),
a Super Bowl (1992), an NCAA Final Four (1992 & 2001), and a World Series (1987
& 1991). It is widely recognized as one of the loudest venues in which to view a
game[citation needed], due in part to the fact sound is recycled throughout the
stadium because of the domed roof. The NFL has named the Metrodome the loudest
NFL stadium, which is advertised throughout Vikings games.
