Demolition of the Dome well underway

If you haven't been to downtown Minneapolis lately, the Metrodome has undergone a striking change. Demolition of the Minnesota Vikings' former home is well underway despite frigid temps, with the east wall opened up by crews this week. Since the roof was deflated in January, the turf and most of the bright blue seats have been removed, leaving a concrete shell inside the stadium. Workers have been tearing down parts of the structure, including a loading dock, the Vikings Lounge and the area near Gate B. The entire Dome is expected to be demolished by April, with the new $1 billion stadium opening in July 2016. Most of the materials from the Dome will be recycled, including the roof fabric, which will be cut up by St. Paul excavator Frattalone Companies and used in future projects.