Metrodome Roof Collapse Triggers Memories of Texas Stadium Implosion

As reported by ABC.com, the Metrodome roof gave way on Dec. 12 after a record 17 inches of snow covered the city. The inflatable Teflon roof collapsed three times before during its 29 years, but this time is different. The Minnesota Vikings want a new stadium and are not planning to renew their lease, which goes through 2011.

Both the Minnesota Twins and University of Minnesota left for newer stadiums, leaving the city with a tough decision: Spend money to appease the team, or risk losing it and the related revenue and jobs.

Will images of the damaged roof flapping in the wind encourage residents to loosen their purse strings? That remains unclear, but dedicated Vikings fans showed up to help ready the TCF Bank Stadium for next week's game against the Bears. FOX Sports reports many were turned away, missing the opportunity to support the team while earning $10 per hour.

Build It Or They Will Go

The Vikings' desire for a new facility and the city's hesitance to pay are reminiscent of the events that led the Dallas Cowboys to leave Irving in 2008. Team owner Jerry Jones did not blink in negotiations, and now enjoys a state-of-the-art stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Earlier this year, city officials decided to implode Texas Stadium, former home of the Cowboys. Although the Cowboys called the Cotton Bowl home for over a decade, Texas Stadium held more milestones and fond memories. It was the birthplace of "America's Team."

Tarnished Icons

Recent years have not been as kind to the Cowboys--or their fans. From Jerry Jones' firing Coach Tom Landry to Michael Irvin's drug arrest to Terrell Owens', well, everything T.O., the team endured ongoing scandal and controversy over the last two decades. Although a millennial trip to the Super Bowl remains elusive, there was always hope that somehow that hallowed stadium could bring the team back to its former glory.

The once-iconic stadium lost its luster due to dilapidation during its 39-year lifespan. Under Jones' reign, the roof ultimately became an eyesore covered with hues of gray and rust. The hole in the center of the roof looked more like the result of neglect than a window to greatness.

The roof of Texas Stadium received a $643,000 paint job in 2006 after city officials finally enforced the maintenance terms in the lease agreement. In December 2008, the Cowboys moved to a soulless, shiny new stadium in Arlington. The city hoped to attract new business to the existing stadium, but the plan failed and Texas Stadium received a death sentence.

Texas Stadium Bites the Dust

Watching the April 11 implosion with thousands of fans seemed to cement the end of a bygone era. In less than a minute, the gutted stadium crumbled into a mass of debris beneath a cloud of dust. Sponsored by Kraft, the implosion took place without much fanfare, other than a brief burst of neon orange fireworks.

Jones attended the event, but most of the iconic Cowboys said their goodbyes beforehand. The posh luncheon, "A Stadium Farewell," attracted droves of former Cowboys and prominent figures who shared fond memories with the crowd. Scheduled for a Friday morning, the $75-per-person event was not as accessible and attracted approximately 200 attendees.

In many ways, the treatment of Texas Stadium epitomizes professional sports teams' tendency to make money-oriented decisions with little or no regard for dedicated fans.

The newly built Cowboys Stadium continues to make history, but it will be awhile before it no longer stings to see an iconic stadium reduced to a vacant lot housing construction materials. A Super Bowl win would help. Maybe next year.

Sources:
Chris Williams, "Metrodome Roof Collapse Rekindles Stadium Debate", ABC.com
"Report: Minnesota Vikings Turn Away Snow Shovelers", FOXSports.com
"Top Ten Nicknames: America's Team", NFL.com
Eric Aassen, "Stadium Roof Begins Rehab", DallasNews.com
Ray Buck, "Texas Stadium Will Go, But Memories Will Last", HeraldNet.com