Metrodome Roof Replacement About 80 Percent Done

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - Work on replacing the roof that collapsed at the Metrodome in Minneapolis last winter is about 80 percent complete.

Part of the old Teflon-coated fabric was shredded by the snow and wind last December. Workers are on track to finish the replacement roof by the Minnesota Vikings home preseason game Aug. 27.

Jim Maki is the director of facilities and engineering for the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission. Maki says the new roof, made of a stronger fabric, will sit a little lower than the old one. He says it will handle better in the wind and not catch as much snow.

Maki says the project has had one accident. An ironworker slipped on the
fabric and suffered a separated shoulder.

The roof is expected to be inflated the last week of July.