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Metrodome
The Metrodome is covered by more than 10 acres of Teflon-coated fiberglass. It is the only air-supported dome in the major leagues, and fans enter the park through revolving doors that prevent release of the air that keeps the dome upright. The roof requires 250,000 cubic feet of air pressure per minute to remain inflated, and on at least three occasions slight tears caused by heavy snows have caused the roof to deflate. The right-field wall is 23 feet tall and covered with plastic. Called "the Big Blue Baggy" and "Hefty Bag" by players, the plastic-coated fence hides 7,600 retractable seats that are used when the stadium is in its football configuration.
Tenants: Minnesota Twins (AL); Minnesota Vikings (NFL)
Opened: April 3, 1982
Surface: SporTurf (1982 to 1986), Astroturf (1987 to date)
Capacity: 55,883 (baseball); 63,000 (football)
Architect: Skidmore, Owings & Merrill
Construction: Barton Malow (Southfield, MI)
Owner: Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission
Cost: $68 million
Location: Left field (NE), Fourth Street South; third base (NW), 501 Chicago Avenue South (Kirby Puckett Place); first base (SW), Fiftth Street South; right field (SE), Eleventh Avenue South.
Dimensions: Left field: 344 (1982), 343 (1983); left-center: 385; center field: 407 (1982), 408 (1983); right-center: 367; right field: 327; backstop: 60; apex of dome: 186; foul territory: small.
Fences: Left field: 7 (canvas, 1982), 13 (6 plexiglass above 7 canvas, 1983); center field: 7 (canvas, 1982); right field: 7 (canvas, 1982), 13 (canvas, early in 1983), 23 (canvas, later in 1983).
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