Repair Or Replace Metrodome Roof? Decision Coming

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- The commission that oversees the Metrodome is getting ready to decide whether to replace its damaged roof entirely or just replace torn parts of it.

The Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission meets Thursday to hear from engineers who have been assessing the damage since the roof collapsed in a blizzard in December. Commission officials expect that insurance will cover most of the cost of replacing or repairing the roof.

A full replacement would likely take longer, with commission chairman Ted Mondale estimating a 5-6 month job. That could intrude on the NFL exhibition season beginning in August, though the Vikings might be able to use the University of Minnesota's TCF Stadium as a backup.

The 2011 season is the last on the Vikings' Metrodome lease, and team officials are seeking public financing for a replacement stadium.