Minneapolis Metrodome
Sports stadiums are an important part of any community and go a long way in representing a city. The Minneapolis Metrodome has been a well known landmark since its opening in 1982. Construction began in 1979 and the cost was $68 million. Its full title is actually the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, named after the former US Senator and Vice President. The naming was also a tribute to Humphrey for being a Minneapolis mayor.
The domed structure is cited as one of the loudest stadiums in America. This is because the Minneapolis Metrodome acoustics cause the noise of the crowd to reverberate. The home crowd gets behind their teams and lives up to their noisy reputation! The main tenants of the stadium are the Minnesota Vikings NFL team, the Minnesota Golden Gophers NCAA Baseball team, and the Minnesota Twins AL Baseball team. The Twins have achieved two World Series Championship wins at the venue. High School softball and soccer clubs also use the stadium as their home ground, and there have been wresting shows on the bill too.
The sporting fixtures arranged for the stadium are rarely postponed, despite the area going through some tough winters. The Minneapolis Metrodome has climate control and play is almost guaranteed. There are plenty of food concession vendors to keep the spectators happy, no matter what the weather is. There are the usual hot dog, hamburger and ice cream stands. Other vendors sell pizza, popcorn, peanuts, grilled chicken sandwiches and ribs. The stadium welcomes families with young children and there is organized face painting.
In keeping with many sports venues these days, this stadium hosts other gatherings apart from sporting contests. Monster Truck and motocross is popular here and the TV show, Monster Jam, has been presented from here. There have also been concerts, golf shows, car shows and home and garden expos, in addition to religious services. New Year is often celebrated at the Minneapolis Metrodome.
The stadium does not have its own parking facility but there are plenty of spaces in private lots close by. Parking for the disabled is available at Hennepin County Medical Examiner lot between 5th and 6th Streets on Park Avenue. Bicycle parking is allowed at no cost. Fans traveling from some distance have the choice of several hotels in the proximity. For inline skating fans, there is skating available at the Rollerdome from November to March. Beginners can book free lessons and skate rental is inexpensive.
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