Metropolitan Stadium

In August 1959, five local businessmen were awarded a franchise in the new American Football League. Five months later in January 1960, the same ownership group consisting of Bill Boyer, Ole Haugsrud, Bernie Ridder, H. P. Skoglund, and Max Winter forfeited its AFL membership in order to be awarded a NFL franchise. The Minnesota Vikings were born when they played their first game against the Los Angeles Rams at Metropolitan Stadium on September 10, 1961. By the time the Vikings moved into the stadium, it had gained a professional baseball tenant, the Minnesota Twins. The capacity of Metropolitan Stadium grew from 18,200 to over 40,000. By 1965, a double decked grandstand was added along the south sidelines replacing bleachers increasing the capacity to 45,919. The scoreboard was located beyond the east end zone.

Metropolitan Stadium remained the same until it closed. In the late 1970’s and early 1980’s Metropolitan Stadium fell into disrepair. The Minnesota Twins and Vikings wanted a new facility to play at. The Metrodome, a domed stadium, was built in downtown Minneapolis for both teams. The Vikings last game at Metropolitan Stadium was on December 20, 1981. The stadium was demolished, and The Mall of America sits where that stadium once was located.