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Jenn Hathaway

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612-816-1710

MEDIA ADVISORY: METRODOME RING BEAM TO BE DEMOLISHED ON SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23

Minneapolis, Minn. (February 21, 2014) - The demolition of the Metrodomes remaining ring beam, which is part of the buildings roof structure, is scheduled for Sunday, February 23, at 7:30 a.m. The concrete ring beam will be demolished with controlled explosive charges, similar to the technology that was used to sever the Metrodomes roof cables. The demolition plan for the Metrodome has been revised due to the section of the ring beam that came down out of sequence on Monday, February 17. After consulting with structural and demolition experts, it was determined that the safest way to bring down the remaining portion of the ring beam is with controlled explosive charges.

Neighbors should be aware that there will be vibration, dust, and noise associated with the ignition of charges and the demolition of the ring beam. However, all reasonable measures will be taken to reduce these impacts. Debris is expected to fall within the specified safety zone for demolition activities.

There will be a number of road closures as part of establishing a safety perimeter for the demolition. Along with 11th Avenue, 4th, 5th, 6th Streets, and Chicago Avenue (Kirby Puckett Place) will be closed beginning at 5:30 a.m. and will remain closed until the all clear signal has been given, which should be no later than 9 a.m. Attached is a map of the road closures.

Please note that no public access will be permitted within 250 feet of the Metrodome. Minneapolis Police will be securing this perimeter. The Downtown East LRT station will be closed during this timeframe as well. Metro Transit buses will serve as alternate transportation and will shuttle passengers between stations adjacent to the Metrodome.

Note: *The FAA has established a 2,000 foot no fly zone (vertically and horizontally) that prohibits helicopters near the Metrodome site.

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