As Many As 9 Panels May Need Repair At Metrodome

ST. PAUL (AP) -- The Metrodome roof repair job may be bigger than first anticipated.

Four panels were damaged when the inflatable roof collapsed under the weight of a 17-inch snowfall earlier this month.

Engineers used a shotgun Monday to blow out a fifth panel that was under stress from a load of ice.

Engineers have recently identified an additional three or four panels that are still carrying ice loads and may be "candidates" for replacement Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission is expected to get a report Wednesday to provide more details on damage and how long it will take to repair the roof.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)