On Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome Stadium
Domed baseball stadiums are a great idea in practice. They keep the element out of the game and can prevent rain delays and cancellations of games. However, there are disadvantages to playing in a domed stadium. When it comes to maintaining a natural baseball field, grass is required. However, grass must grow at certain temperatures. Maintaining an entire baseball stadium along with the grass makes it extremely difficult. To solve this problem, artificial turf is used for the field. This can make play difficult for players. But with artificial turf, you don’t need as many people for maintenance.
If a domed stadium has a retractable roof, sunlight can be let in when the weather is good.
Hubert H. Humphrey Stadium or the ‘Metrodome’, was a domed stadium that did not have a retractable roof. Being in Minnesota, the Twins needed a stadium that could shield them from the elements.
Before the Metrodome, the primary stadium in Minnesota was Metropolitan Stadium, often referred to as “The Met.” Located in Bloomington, a suburb of Minneapolis, Metropolitan Stadium was the home of the Minnesota Twins (MLB) and the Minnesota Vikings (NFL) before they both moved to the Metrodome.
The Metrodome was a multipurpose stadium that hosted many special events. It hosted not just the Twins and Vikings but also two NCAA basketball championships, two Super Bowls, two World Series, soccer games, concerts, College football games, and high school football games.
The Metrodome is the only stadium in the world to have hosted the NFL Super Bowl (1992), Major League Baseball’s All-Star Game (1985), two World Series (1987, 1991), and the Final Four of the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship (1992, 2001).
One of the most distinctive features of the Metrodome was its inflatable roof, made of Teflon-coated fiberglass. This design was chosen for its cost-effectiveness and ability to withstand the Minnesota’s harsh winter weather. The roof was supported by air pressure, creating a unique environment for players and spectators. This innovative design, however, required a continuous airflow system to remain inflated, which presented many challenges.
The Metrodome has had a lot of history. This is one stadium that deserves to be remembered for all the different types of events held there and the design of the stadium.
