Minneapolis Metrodome Collapse

Minneapolis Metrodome:    Then  and  Now

The Minneapolis  Metrodome roof covering the field of the Mall of America  collapsed under the weight of  heavy snow at 5 a.m. Sunday morning.

 The  blizzard that started  Friday night, dumped 17.1 inches of snow at the Minneapolis International Airport and amounts closer to 25 inches in other parts of the area. With the high winds reaching a speed of   20  to 36 mph, the snow on rooftops piled up unevenly, as it is redistributed with drifting.

The Metrodome roof is made up of 10 acres of Teflon-coated fiberglass lined with woven fiberglass. The fabric of the roof weighs  approximately 580,000 pounds and  at least 20 fans are required to blow the 250,000 cft of air pressure per minute to keep it inflated. Due to uneven accumulation of snow on the roof , two Teflon panels were damaged and a leak developed on Saturday,  leading to the collapse.

File Photo Minneapolis Metrodome

 

It is not the first time the Metrodome collapsed due to tears that resulted from heavy snow. It has failed three other times, deflating in 1981, 1982 and 1983.

With this collapse,   Detroit's Ford Field becomes the nearest indoor stadium for Vikings Vs. Giants Week 14 game. 

The Giants, of course, would likely push for the game to be moved back to New Meadowlands Stadium in New Jersey. But the NFL's Greg Aiello said Sunday that TCF or another domed NFL stadium would be the options.

 Watch the Minneapolis Metrodome Collapse.