FieldTurf, which was ready in time for the home opener of the Minnesota Twins last week, is supposed to be more grass-like than previous artificial turfs. The cost was $667,000 for turf, or $900,000 if you include related improvements. The eight-year-old turf needed replacing. "It's the most naturally playing indoor turf available, and a huge improvement over the old artificial turf," says Roy Terwilliger, the chair of the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission.

Other Metrodome improvements include the Metrodome Plaza, which has undergone extensive renovation and improvement after the Hiawatha Line's Downtown East LRT station has been completed adjacent to the Plaza. In addition, more than 800 feet of ribbon boards--fascia digital displays--were added, bringing full digital video, graphics and animation to the lower ring of the Metrodome's upper concourse. Installation of the digital displays began last fall, and were completed during the Vikings and Gophers football seasons.

Also completed at the end of 2003 was the multi-year project to upgrade every permanent concession stand. The last five stands, located in the stadium's upper deck, were completed last fall.