Repair or Replace Minneapolis Metrodome Roof? Decision Coming

The commission that oversees the Metrodome in Minneapolis, Minn., is getting ready to decide whether to replace its damaged roof entirely or just replace torn parts of it.

The Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission will hear from engineers who have been assessing the damage since the roof collapsed in a blizzard in December. Commission officials expect that insurance will cover most of the cost of replacing or repairing the roof.

A full replacement would likely take longer, with commission chairman Ted Mondale estimating a five to six month job. That could intrude on the NFL exhibition season beginning in August, though the Vikings might be able to use the University of Minnesota’s TCF Stadium as a backup.

The 2011 season is the last on the Vikings’ Metrodome lease, and team officials are seeking public financing for a replacement stadium.