Pontiac Silverdome Damaged By Strong Winds
PONTIAC (WWJ) - Strong winds over the past few days have damaged what is left of the roof at the Pontiac Silverdome. But as WWJ's Rob Sanford reports, it's not a big concern to the facilities management.
Silverdome officials say they deflated the roof at the beginning of the month after a small tear was discovered. The plan is to renovate the building with a new hard roof that has solar panels and does not require air pressure. Installation is expected to start this spring or early summer.
Spokesman Alex Loewy told the Oakland Press they expect winter weather, with its heavy wind and snow, to further damage the cover. He said the building was winterized before the roof was deflated.
Once the renovations are complete, officials say they plan on hosting a number of activities in the future.
The Silverdome was sold at auction in 2009 for $583,000. The 80,300-seat stadium was completed in 1975 at a cost of $55 million.
The Detroit Lions played at the Silverdome until 2002. The team now plays at Ford Field in Detroit.
