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HISTORY:

After their frigid 21-year-old history at Metropolitan Stadium in Bloomington, the Vikings in 1982 moved inside to its domed home, now known as Mall of America Field at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome.

As early as the late '60s, the idea of a domed stadium in downtown Minneapolis was kicked around. After much wrangling, the Metrodome, budgeted -- and completed -- for $55 million, opened in April of 1982, just in time for the Twins season.

Funded initially through the sale of 30-year bonds, the Metrodome's debt was retired 14 years ahead of schedule. The Metrodome has hosted two NCAA men's Final Fours (1992, 2001), one Super Bowl (XXVI -- Washington vs. Buffalo), one MLB All-Star Game (1985), and two World Series (1987, 1991).

-- Information from the Metrodome web site was used in this overview

SEATING NOTES:

Kids:

Everyone needs a ticket.

General:

Prohibited items: cameras and recording devices; coolers; backpacks; fanny packs; and large purses. Fans bringing these items to the stadium will be asked to return them to their vehicles. Nothing larger than a small purse, which will be subject to inspection, will be allowed for fans to carry into the stadium. There will be increased screening at the Metrodome gates; as a result, fans are encouraged to arrive earlier than usual at the stadium and take their seats sooner to avoid pressure areas at the entry gates.

Address:

900 S. Fifth St.
Minneapolis, MN 55415

Directions:

From the east (St. Paul, Eau Claire): Traveling westbound on I-94, use the Fifth Street exit into downtown Minneapolis. Proceed down Fifth Street where, at Chicago Avenue, parking is available in all directions. From the west (Wayzata, Willmar): Traveling eastbound on I-394, use the Sixth Street exit into downtown Minneapolis. Proceed down Sixth Street through downtown core. Parking is available in all directions. From the south (Austin, Mason City): Traveling northbound on I-35W, use the Fifth Avenue exit into downtown Minneapolis. Proceed down Fifth Avenue to Sixth Street. Parking is available in all directions. From the north (Duluth): Traveling southbound on I-35W, use the Washington Avenue exit into downtown Minneapolis. Turn right on Washington and proceed approximately a half-mile. Parking is available along Washington between Third and 10th avenues. From the southeast (Rochester): Traveling northbound on Highway 52/55, stay on Highway 55 to downtown. Parking is available in all directions. From the Northwest (St. Cloud, Fargo): Traveling eastbound on I-94, use the Fourth Street exit into downtown Minneapolis. Proceed down Fourth Street through the downtown core to Fifth Avenue. Parking is available in all directions. All travel directions provided by the Vikings; consult the team's website for additional information.

Parking:

Do not drive to the Mall of America Field at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome; parking is available in the ramps and lots to the north and west of the stadium.

Transportation:

For information on taking the Light Rail, contact Metro Transit at (612) 373-3333.