Nov 22, 2008 10:49 pm US/Central
Gopher Fans Happy To Attend Final Game At Dome
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) ―
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The team played its last game in the Dome Saturday night. For most fans, it wasn't a sad occasion.
CBS
For 26 years Gopher fans have watched home games in the comfort and under the roof of the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, but no longer.
The team played its last game in the Dome Saturday night. Next season, the Gophers move to TCF Bank Stadium, which is on campus and outdoors.
For most fans, Saturday night was not a sad one.
"I love this university. I absolutely love everything that -- it changed my life," said University of Minnesota graduate student Matt Hanley.
Hanley came to the U in 2000. He's fond of his five years of memories in the band, but not the Dome.
"It doesn't really feel like home. It feels almost like an apartment for sports," he said.
That's not what it was supposed to be. When it opened in 1982, it was supposed to be what was "new" in sports and a way to revitalize a struggling downtown.
Roger Bettin has been a Gopher fan his whole life, and has watched most of the games at Memorial Stadium.
"I was one (a fan) when I was a teenager in 1938 or '39. Back in Bernie Beerman's days," said Bettin.
Bettin and his wife, Carolyn, grew up in southern Minnesota. They think it's time to bring a new tradition the school they love so much, but not just for themselves.
"From our standpoint it's important, but from the students' standpoint, it's very important and a being a student once, I know," added Bettin.
"It feels like we're borrowing somebody else's home right now. It's not ours, there's not ownership here," said Hanley. "But I'm very happy to move into TCF Bank Stadium next year."
Though fans were glad to leave the Dome, it snowed overnight. This time next year, they may be thinking the Dome wasn't so bad.
Saturday night's game was sold out. Thousands of fans traveled from Iowa for the game. Police say crowds were rowdier than usual, and they dealt with more drunk fans, too. Alcohol will not be allowed at the new stadium next year.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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