Sports Fans, Deal Hunters Sample Metrodome Auction
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- It's time to place your bids on pieces of Metrodome history.
An auction is underway on more than a dozen items used inside the dome. The Minnesota Sports Facilities Authorities is selling off the contents through the state auction site.
Demolition of the building is set for next year.
The state's surplus auction is a draw for those in the market for cars, trucks, and trailers. Dozens of customers showed up to the semi-annual auction at the Department of Administration Fleet and Surplus Services Building in Arden Hills.
But some bidders were interested in several items on sale from the Metrodome.
Ben Paggen showed up to spend his money on used folding chairs. For him, the big sell wasn't just the comfort and durability.
"I only know they're from the dome. I'm here to see if I can buy them," said Ben Paggen.
The chairs are among the dome artifacts that must go with demolition slated for 2014.
"It's got a lot of interest so far," said auction manager Tim Soby.
The auction includes a mix of heavy machinery, insulation, lawn mowers, even the brush used to groom the turf. Most of the items have no clear tie to sports history, but there are some items that may bring back memories of days spent at the dome.
The blue outdoor benches had four bids for $80 dollars as of Saturday afternoon. The right field fencing known as the "baggie" is also up for sale; the bids as of Saturday afternoon topped $125.
Baseball fans can also bid on the pitching mound used inside the dome since 2004.
"Great sentimental value, I would think as part of the old stadium," said Forrest Gregory, who was at the auction.
"I imagine it could go into someone's personal museum or onto a backyard or field," said Soby.
This is an ongoing auction and new items will be added nearly every week. To see what's for sale, click here.
