Workers Patch 5th Panel Inside The Metrodome

By Susie Jones, NewsRadio 830 WCCO

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Two men standing in a cherry picker stretched up into the hole in the Metrodome, looking at how to repair the latest panel.

Bill Lester with the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission said there was a lot of pressure from the ice and snow, and they resorted to using a method of relieving that pressure that included shooting a hole in the roof.

"We did fire a gun into it. And that was enough. It was so stressed, it was a full blown rupture. And that will be a panel that will be completely replaced," said Lester.

Lester said they are going to patch the panel and continue heating up the arena to melt the snow. He said they will monitor other panels as well, and may have to shoot out another panel.

Lester said they will not take any chances before opening and the roof will be inspected and certified before allowing anyone inside.

He said they don't have a timetable for reopening.

NewsRadio 830 WCCO's Susie Jones Reports