Vikings unveil program, events for final weekend at Metrodome
The Vikings have unveiled the party they'll throw this weekend for the team's final game in the Metrodome. (Above is the official program cover, available for purchase at the game on Sunday.)
The team's long farewell to the stadium will actually start with a season ticket holders' event on Saturday, with photos on the field, tours of the stadium and locker room and highlights from Vikings greats and the most memorable football games in the Dome.
The team says the 6,000-person event is already booked, so if you're not on the list already, you're probably not going.
On Sunday the team plans to hand out commemorative pennants to fans. The souvenir has a drawing of the Metrodome and features the logo and words "Mall of America Field."
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The official game day program will feature a dual cover of both the 2013 final game and the original Sept. 12, 1982 opener. The Playbook, the program placed on every seat in the stadium, will also have a commemorative cover for the occasion.
At the game, the team is planning to roll out a video tribute to the final two "Top 10 moments at Mall of America Field," and following the game there will be a short ceremony with Vikings highlights and appearances by Matt Birk, Robert Smith, Adrian Peterson and Bud Grant. Then they'll officially close the building once and for all, in preparation for demolition to start Jan. 18.
The demolition will NOT start on Sunday. The team says:
"For Sunday's game, the team and the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority will implement a 'zero tolerance policy' that prohibits fans from removing any stadium property. Extra security, including twice as many Minneapolis police officers that serve in a typical home game, will be on hand to ensure fans can celebrate in a safe and respectful environment."
So leave your wrenches and your hacksaws at home.