The Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, affectionately known as “The Metrodome,” stands as a significant chapter in the sports history of Minneapolis, Minnesota. As the former home of the Minnesota Twins, it was a site of many memorable moments, both in Major League Baseball (MLB) and in the broader world of sports.
Stadium Facts about Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome
- Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Opened On: April 3, 1982
- Closed On: December 29, 2013
- Home Team: Minnesota Twins (American League), 1982-2009
- Stadium Nicknames: “The Dome,” “The Thunderdome”
- Dimensions: Left Field – 343 feet, Center Field – 408 feet, Right Field – 327 feet
- Capacity: Approximately 55,300 for baseball
- Attendance Record: 55,990 (Game 7 of the 1987 World Series)
- Surface: Artificial turf (AstroTurf and later FieldTurf)
- Architect: Skidmore, Owings & Merrill
- Owner: Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission
The History
The Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome was a multi-purpose indoor stadium that opened in 1982, named after the former Vice President and Minnesota Senator Hubert Humphrey. It was built as a home for the Minnesota Twins, the Minnesota Vikings (NFL), and the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers football team. The Metrodome was notable for being one of the few remaining domed stadiums in the United States and the first to have hosted a World Series, a Super Bowl, and an NCAA Final Four.
The stadium was the scene of some of the most iconic moments in the Twins’ history, including their World Series triumphs in 1987 and 1991. Its closure in 2013 marked the end of an era for Minnesota sports fans, paving the way for the construction of more modern facilities.
Design and Features
The Metrodome’s design was a product of its time, featuring a distinctive inflatable roof, which was one of its most recognizable features. This Teflon-coated fiberglass fabric roof was supported by air pressure, a novel architectural achievement when the stadium was built. The dome’s design allowed for a climate-controlled environment, a significant advantage given Minnesota’s harsh winters.
The playing surface was artificial turf, which was common in multi-purpose stadiums during that period. The enclosed, air-supported structure created a unique acoustic environment, leading to the “Thunderdome” nickname due to the loud noise levels during games.
Renovations
Throughout its tenure as a sports venue, the Metrodome underwent several renovations and upgrades. These included improvements to the turf, enhancements to the lighting and sound systems, and the addition of new video boards.
The most significant renovation was the replacement of the original roof following a collapse in 2010 due to heavy snowfall. This incident led to a major refurbishment of the roof and an upgrade to the stadium’s snow melting systems.
Facilities
The Metrodome’s facilities were functional and catered to a wide range of events. The stadium offered a variety of concessions, reflecting the tastes of Minnesota sports fans. Seating was versatile, able to accommodate the different configurations required for baseball, football, and other events.
While the amenities were not as luxurious as those found in newer stadiums, the Metrodome was appreciated for its ability to host multiple types of events and for the unique experience it provided, particularly during baseball games.
Memorable Moments at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome
- 1987 World Series Championship: Hosting the Minnesota Twins’ first World Series win.
- 1991 World Series: Known for Game 6, one of the greatest games in World Series history.
- Kirby Puckett’s Game 6 Heroics: His walk-off home run in the 1991 World Series.
- First Regular-Season Game: Marking the beginning of the Twins’ era at the Metrodome.
- Final Game: The Twins’ last game in 2009, marking the end of an era.
Interesting Baseball History at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome
- The Homer Hanky: The birth of the famous “Homer Hanky” during the 1987 postseason.
- Hosting All-Star Game: The stadium hosted the MLB All-Star Game in 1985.
- Innovative Design: One of the few air-supported domed stadiums in MLB history.
- The Shift to Target Field: The move to a more baseball-centric stadium in 2010.
- Record Attendance Figures: Regularly achieving high attendance numbers during the Twins’ successful seasons.
Non-Baseball Events
Aside from baseball, the Metrodome was a versatile venue that hosted a range of events. It was the home of the Minnesota Vikings NFL team and hosted several memorable football games, including Super Bowl XXVI. The stadium was also a key venue for large concerts, political events, trade shows, and other major gatherings, showcasing its flexibility as a multi-purpose facility. The Metrodome’s role in these events underlined its significance beyond baseball, as a central hub for major events in Minneapolis.