Fans planning on attending the final game between the Vikings and Lions at Mall of America Field will be introduced to an increased level of security when they enter the Metrodome.
The increased security measures are being taken to help avoid anything similar to what happened after the final Vikings game at Metropolitan Stadium 32 years ago.
The fear of fans running on the field to take whatever they can find as souvenirs is the main concern, according to a story at Vikings.com. When Metropolitan Stadium’s final game between the Vikings and Chiefs ended in 1981, fans rushed the field, tore down the goalposts and took what they could.
KARE 11 says nine people were arrested that day.
That won’t be allowed to happen at the dome.
‘Nobody’s leaving with anything,” said Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority Chair Michele Kelm-Helgen. ”We’re putting that rule in place, and we’re going to stick to it from the beginning of the game to the end.”
The report says there will be approximately 700 security personnel working during the game.
Fans will receive a memento commemorating the final game at the dome.
