Minnesota Vikings Stadium Options: Immediate, Near Term and Future

The roof collapse of the Humbert H. Humphrey Metrodome has the Minnesota Vikings scrambling to find a stadium to call home.

With one home date already lost, and next Monday's game against the Bears in jeopardy, the question is where will the Vikings play?

This is not only a question for the last remaining home game of the 2010 season, but as well for the future of the Minnesota Vikings.

The collapse of the 28 year-old Metrodome's roof reinforces the need for a new stadium. 

Here are some of the options that exist in the near term and the future for the Minnesota Vikings.

Next Monday—The Metrodome.

It's a long shot, but officials with the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission were hoping to know if repairs to the Metrodome's roof could be made in time for next Monday night's games against the Chicago Bears.

Inspectors from the original manufacturer of the roof, Birdair Inc. of Amherst, N.Y., were expected to arrive on Monday and assess the situation.

With the damage to the 28 year-old structure it is unlikely the stadium will be ready in less than a week.

Another Option For Next Monday—TCF Bank Stadium, University of Minnesota.

With enough time the outdoor stadium on the campus of the University of Minnesota could be made ready to host the Minnesota Vikings' Monday Night home game against the Bears.

There are three important questions that will need to be answered:

No. 1) How much time is enough time?

No. 2) With a capacity of 50,805 what happens to the other 14,595 Vikings' ticket holders?

No. 3) Will the University Regents approve the sale of alcohol if the Vikings were to host the Bears? 

Next Monday Option No. 3—Ford Field

Leon Halip/Getty Images

DETROIT, MI - DECEMBER 13: Ford Field gets ready to host the game between the New York Giants and the Minnesota Vikings on December 13, 2010 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)

There's no reason the Minnesota Vikings couldn't finish out their home schedule at Detroit's Ford Field.

The field is already painted with the Vikings' logo on the 50-yard line, and the end zones with "Vikings."

The Lions are on the road next weekend so there's no need to change the field back until after next Monday Night's game against Chicago.

It would have been nice to be able to say that football fans in Detroit could enjoy the opportunity to see some real football for a change, but after the Vikings' lackluster performance by the "home" team against the Giants, I think they have seen enough.  

Next Monday Option No. 4—Soldier Field, Chicago

I'm sure the Chicago Bears wouldn't mind playing next week's game in Chicago.

They might even allow the Vikings to wear the home uniforms.

Of course it might be a little difficult to celebrate 50 years of Vikings' football in Chicago.

Where Will the Minnesota Vikings Play in 2011—The Hump

Nick Laham/Getty Images

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 05: Minnesota Vikings cheerleaders perform during the game against the Buffalo Bills at the Mall of America Field at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome on December 5, 2010 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Im

Besides who will be coaching and quarterbacking the Vikings next season, there is also a question where they will call home.

The best bet as to where the Minnesota Vikings will play next season will be the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome.

The team is still under lease for the 2011 season, and there is every indication that the stadium can be made ready in time for the teams 51st season in Minnesota. 

With 15,000 less seats and no license to sell beer, TCF Bank Stadium on the University of Minnesota campus in Minneapolis, just doesn't fit the needs of the Vikings.

Where Is the Future of Vikings Football?

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22 Nov 1998: Running back Leroy Hoard #44 and wide receiver Robert Tate #83 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrate during the game against the Green Bay Packers at the HHH Metrodome in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings defeated the Packers 28-14. Mandatory

The current lease between the Minnesota Vikings and Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission runs out after the 2011 season.

The collapse of the Metrodome roof only adds to the desire of Vikings' owner Zygi Wilf for a more lucrative stadium arrangement.

Several plans have been proposed in the past that have identified potential locations.

Beyond 2011 and the Vikings Future Home—Downtown Minneapolis

Minnesota Vikings owner, Zygi Wilf, has indicated an interest in a new downtown stadium.

In 2007 the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission and Vikings unveiled plans for the stadium and surrounding urban area, with an estimated opening of 2012.

Anoka County—Home of the National Sports Center

In 2005 the Minnesota Vikings were very close to completing an agreement to build a stadium in Anoka county, but the deal eventually fell through when the legislature declined to fund a retractable roof.

The city of Blaine, the site of the proposed stadium, is the home of the National Sports Center. 

This complex includes a soccer stadium, over 50 full-sized soccer fields, a golf course, a velodrome, a meeting and convention facility and an eight-sheet ice rink—which is the largest ice facility of its type in the world.

If the MSFCommission Doesn't Act Now—Los Angeles!

The Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission needs to move quickly.

The only way the Vikings will be playing past the 2011 season in the Metrodome is if there is an agreement in place for a new stadium—and the team needs a place to play while their new home is under construction. 

Hopefully that home will still have a Minnesota address.