It seems as though the old girl, affectionately and not so affectionately called "The Dome," is refusing to go quietly into the night as a baseball venue. It is worthwhile to note that, contrary to the views of some, the HHH Metrodome was not a mistake, but one of the very best public works projects in state history. She has housed events that no other facility in the country has hosted. In addition to the World Series (twice), the NCAA Final Four (twice) and the Super Bowl, she played host to thousands of events, tens of thousands of participants and more than 77 million spectators. Her versatility is unparalleled. Having the professional teams allowed the construction of the facility. Having the facility allowed high schools, amateur athletes and countless others to test athletic skills, raise money for charities or allow worship with thousands of like-minded believers. The large events were memorable, but the smaller events perhaps even more so. For every big playoff game, there were the opening ceremonies for the Special Olympics, the Billy Graham Crusades and the Rolling Stones. Smaller events included 25,000 convening in the Metrodome following the harrowing events of 9/11, or the Sunday evening memorial service for Kirby Puckett that drew 30,000. Dave Stead, executive director of the Minnesota State High School League, will tell you that the Dome is a key element in the success of the Girls and Boys State Soccer Championships and the Prep Bowl. He will also tell you that it is not only the players on the field of play but the countless busloads of bands and other students who journey to Minneapolis to support their teams. Was it a mistake for the Twins to move inside? The decision must be analyzed in the context in which it was made. It was an era of multipurpose facilities and other indoor venues for baseball (Houston Astrodome, Seattle Kingdome). In the final analysis, the Metrodome kept the Twins in Minnesota for 28 years. So, let's pause to give a round of applause to a venue that did everything that was ever asked of it and more. And, get this, it paid for itself. It has lived without ongoing public tax support since 1984. But, let's not count the old girl out just yet. Remember these words: "It's not over until the last fan is blown out of the revolving doors." BILL LESTER, MINNEAPOLIS; EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR,

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