Dome Concorse Opens To Skaters This Weekend

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Here's a sign that the repair work at the Metrodome is making progress -- the Dome's concourses are open again Saturday to in-line skaters and runners.

The City of Minneapolis conducted a safety assessment Friday afternoon, and with a good report, Rollerdome announced activities can start back up Saturday.

This is the first time the Metrodome has been open for community activities since the roof deflated during the blizzard on Dec. 12, 2010.

"We are absolutely thrilled to be re-opening for public skating at the Metrodome," said Mike Cofrin, founder of Rollerdome, Inc. in a press release. "For 20 years, Minnesota families have been utilizing the Metrodome's recreation opportunities and we look forward to using the dome again this year."

Rollerdome said that concourses will be open to skaters on Saturday from 2-6 p.m., Sunday from 2-6 p.m. and Monday from 2-9 p.m.

In addition to rollerblading, the Minnesota Distance Running Association, the largest running group in the state, announced that running in the concourses will start back up on Tues., Jan. 18 from 5-8 p.m.

An announcement regarding future roof repairs will be made in coming weeks.