Happy Father's Day everyone! If you're like me, you probably gave your Dad a call today, or maybe arranged a visit to say thanks if you're lucky enough to live near your parents. If you're not like me, perhaps you have some other ritual or other ways that you spend Father's Day. Despite today being something of a "Hallmark Holiday", it gives us an excuse to thank our Dads for their support and unconditional love. And bonus, I've been a Dad now for almost 3 years! Being a Father has given me a whole new understanding of life and a completely different perspective on what really matters in this world. The word "responsibility" doesn't even begin to cover it, but when my daughter needs me, there is nothing that will stand in my way.
And it is on a day like today that sometimes, we Fathers receive gifts from our loved ones. My family knows and understands that my fandom of the Minnesota Vikings is more than just a passing fancy. They know that my interest for the Vikings is on a fanatical level, and it is why they gave me a gift that I just had to share with this community of similar minded fanatics. You see, it was this community that made me and my family aware that such a gift was even possible. So I feel obligated to share that gift with you all. Perhaps you've figured it out already, but I received a piece of Minnesota Vikings history for Father's day: Metrodome Memorabilia.
I haven't decided exactly what I'm going to do with it all yet, but I have a few ideas. First, here is a shot of the entire collection (click image to embiggen):
I will probably split up the plundered loot into two items. The first will be a large framed glass case which will house the roof piece, turf square and locker room square. Here are close up shots of those three items:
The second will have a true Father's Day theme. For the Metrodome seat and back, I will be asking my Father to help me figure out a way to construct a useable chair out of the remaining pieces. I'm not sure what materials I will use yet, but as you can see by the pictures, there are some holes that the chair was mounted with initially which could be used to mount the chair into some kind of frame. The most difficult choice will be deciding if the frame should be made of wood or metal. My Father is great with wood-working, but not so much with metal working (although he has a brother who is a master welder).
In any case, I'm excited about the fact that not only did I receive this gift from my wife and daughter for Father's Day (thank you!!!), but I'll be able to use this to spend time with my own Father to create a real chair out of Metrodome parts! I am in no way affiliated with the good folks that are selling these collectibles, but if you wanted to get your hands on some of this stuff, you can see what they have left at the Elite Sports Shop or the products page of themetrodomeroof.com. Once I've finished the display case and seat frames for these things, I'll be sure to share them with you all so you can see how they turned out. Skol Vikings!