MINNEAPOLIS — Politicians, Vikings executives and possibly a few notable former players will be on hand at the groundbreaking ceremony for the team’s new $1 billion stadium.

This morning’s program inside the soon-to-be-demolished Metrodome was open to the public, but there were only a few hundred seats available. Tickets were one per person and first-come, first-serve starting at 9 a.m. in a tent near Gate D.

Speeches started at 10 a.m. Gov. Mark Dayton and Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak were there along with team owners Zygi and Mark Wilf. Officials from the sports facilities authority and the construction and design firms are also participating.

Following that, participants gather outside to toss the ceremonial dirt.

Metrodome demolition is due soon after the last Vikings home game on Dec. 29.