Metrodome Open House Offers Pieces Of Fallen Roof

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Thousands of Minnesota sports fans have added an unusual specimen to their memorabilia collections.

The first 3,000 fans who visited the Metrodome during an open house Saturday were given a 4-inch square of Teflon-coated fiberglass The pieces were from the stadium's former roof that collapsed in December.

Twelve-year-old Anne Bundy of Champlin tells the St. Paul Pioneer Press she really wanted a piece for her grandfather, an avid sports fan.

The open house gave visitors a good look at the new roof. Some fans grew nostalgic, recalling memories from the Minnesota Twins' glory days. Others wondered whether it made sense to fix the roof while the Vikings are pushing for a new stadium in Arden Hills.

The Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission says insurance covered the $23 million replacement cost.

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