Sports commission agrees to Metrodome upgrades

The Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission has agreed to make a few changes to the Metrodome at the request of its main tenant, the Minnesota Vikings.

The team has asked for new artificial turf, and wants to take over the ticket offices and hospitality area once occupied by the Minnesota Twins.

The executive director of the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission, Bill Lester, says the existing turf is six years into an eight year-warranty. But he says it's ready to be replaced.

"Even though they have two years left on the use agreement, we think we maximized the use of it," said Lester. "It will be both aesthetically and functionally state-of-the-art artificial turf that will benefit not only the Vikings, but all the other users as well."

Lester says the Vikings are still opposed to extending their lease agreement at the Dome past its 2011 expiration date.