MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Vikings’ Metrodome has deflated for the last time.

Officials from the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority opened the relief vents to begin the deflation at 7:15 a.m. Saturday. Fans providing the air that supports the roof were turned off. It was done in 35 minutes.

The Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority gave the go-ahead despite concerns about weather conditions. According to the National Weather Service, between 4 and 5 inches of snow fell in the area overnight. Wind was a steady 5 to 10 mph Saturday morning.

The deflation will make way for construction of a new $1 billion Vikings stadium. It will be located roughly where the Dome stands in downtown Minneapolis.

MSFA Vice Chairman Bill McCarthy called it “a sad and exciting day at the same time.”