In 2010, after a major accumulation of heavy snow in a storm, the roof of the massive Metrodome stadium in Minneapolis collapsed.
More than three acres of the roof material, a Teflon-coated fiberglass fabric, had to be replaced.
The material was headed to the landfill. But two people associated with the team made a deal to purchase the material for future use.
Unveiled this past week, Minnesota brand Duluth Pack will construct a limited run of bags from the old Metrodome roof.
Duluth Pack offers two bag types, a duffel and a purse-like tote. In what is a first for outdoors gear, the bags meld history and sports memorabilia with a functional product you can use traveling or for every day.
Available this week for the first time at the Minnesota State Fair (starting on Aug. 22), the bags do not come cheap: The larger bag is $485; the tote sells at $160.
They are made in the USA. Duluth Pack offers a lifetime guarantee.
Waterproof and tough, the roof material makes for a perfect “indestructible” outer for the bags, Duluth Pack notes. The company tag line on the new packs, called the Domer series, is “Purchase your piece of history before it’s gone.”
—Stephen Regenold
