Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome

Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome was a multi-purpose stadium located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States, and was home to the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League and the Minnesota Twins of Major League Baseball. The stadium was named after Hubert Humphrey, the 38th Vice President of the United States, who served under Lyndon B. Johnson from 1965 to 1969. The stadium was also known for its unique Teflon-coated fiberglass roof, which was designed by Geiger Engineers and constructed by Birdair. The stadium hosted various events, including Super Bowl XXVI, the 1992 Republican National Convention, and concerts by famous artists such as The Rolling Stones, U2, and Paul McCartney.

● History

The Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome was built in 1982, with a construction cost of $68 million, and was designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. The stadium was owned and operated by the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission, which was established by the Minnesota State Legislature in 1977. The stadium was built to replace Metropolitan Stadium, which was the previous home of the Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings. The stadium hosted its first event on April 3, 1982, with a Minnesota Twins game against the Seattle Mariners. The stadium also hosted the 1985 Major League Baseball All-Star Game and the 1987 Major League Baseball All-Star Game. The stadium was also home to the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers football team from 1982 to 2008. The stadium hosted various other events, including concerts by The Who, The Grateful Dead, and Bruce Springsteen.

● Design and Features

The Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome was a unique stadium with a Teflon-coated fiberglass roof, which was designed to be durable and resistant to weather conditions. The roof was supported by a network of cables and pneumatic systems, which allowed it to be inflated and deflated as needed. The stadium had a seating capacity of 64,111, with 115 luxury suites and 2,000 club seats. The stadium also featured a AstroTurf playing surface, which was replaced with FieldTurf in 2004. The stadium's design was influenced by the work of Buckminster Fuller and Eero Saarinen, and was intended to be a futuristic and innovative structure. The stadium was also equipped with a state-of-the-art sound system, which was designed by JBL Professional and installed by Dallas Sound Lab.

● Events

The Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome hosted a wide range of events, including sports games, concerts, and conventions. The stadium hosted Super Bowl XXVI in 1992, which was played between the Washington Redskins and the Buffalo Bills. The stadium also hosted the 1992 Republican National Convention, which was attended by George H.W. Bush, Dan Quayle, and Pat Buchanan. The stadium hosted various concerts, including performances by The Rolling Stones, U2, and Paul McCartney. The stadium also hosted the NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship in 1992 and 2001, and the NCAA Men's Division I Wrestling Championships in 1994 and 1996. The stadium was also home to the Minnesota Golden Gophers football team, which played against teams such as the Ohio State Buckeyes, Michigan Wolverines, and Penn State Nittany Lions.

● Demolition

The Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome was demolished in 2014, after the Minnesota Vikings moved to their new stadium, U.S. Bank Stadium. The demolition process began in January 2014, with the deflation of the stadium's roof. The stadium's demolition was carried out by Veit & Company, which used a combination of explosives and mechanical demolition techniques to bring down the structure. The demolition process was completed in April 2014, and the site was cleared for redevelopment. The Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority oversaw the demolition process, which was funded by the State of Minnesota and the City of Minneapolis. The demolition of the stadium marked the end of an era for sports in Minneapolis, and paved the way for the development of new sports facilities in the city.

● Legacy

The Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome left a lasting legacy in the world of sports and entertainment. The stadium was a pioneering structure in terms of its design and features, and it hosted a wide range of events that brought people together from across the United States. The stadium was also an important part of the Minneapolis community, and it played host to numerous charity events and fundraisers over the years. The stadium's legacy continues to be felt today, with many of its former employees and attendees still involved in the sports and entertainment industry. The stadium's impact can also be seen in the design of newer stadiums, such as AT&T Stadium and Levi's Stadium, which have incorporated many of the innovative features that were first introduced at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome. The stadium's legacy is also commemorated by the Minnesota Sports Hall of Fame, which recognizes the achievements of athletes and sports personalities from across the state. Category:Defunct stadiums in the United States