Metrodome Roof Replacement On Track For Completion By Aug. 1

Work on the Metrodome roof replacement is "on track to be done by Aug. 1" ahead of the Vikings' preseason home opener on Aug. 27. Metrodome Sports Facilities Commission Exec Dir Bill Lester said that if that schedule holds, it would leave "time for structural inspections and perhaps an open house." Dome engineer Steve Maki said that crews "have installed 32 of the 64 diamond-shaped fiberglass panels that form the center of the roof" (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 4/22).

Meanwhile, the Bengals are "continuing a preliminary assessment about an indoor practice facility." A team official said that "nothing has been decided." There "have not been discussions with the county about a facility," but the club has held talks with the Ohio Utilities Protection Service "regarding utility work that would need to be done." A team rep said that "the Bengals, not the county, would pay for the facility" (CINCINNATI ENQUIRER, 4/22).