Posted: December 19, 2010, 11:01 p.m. CT
MINNEAPOLIS -- Well, Vikings punter Chris Kluwe might disagree, but the National Football League seems to be convinced that the TCF Bank Stadium field will be in fine shape for Monday's game between the Bears and the Vikings.
Eric Grubman, executive vice president of NFL Ventures and Business Operations, spoke to the media on Sunday and marveled at the condition of the stadium.
"It's pretty great, isn't it?" Grubman said as he looked around at the field. "I don't know if you guys came over and saw the stadium when it was under the snow and winterized, but it's pretty hard to believe that you're standing in it now. It looks like it's ready for play, because it is.
"Those guys did a lot of work -- the University, I can't say enough about their staff, their people, their planning. They've been great."
Even though some players expressed skepticism after their Sunday walkthrough, Grubman said he's trusting the opinion of an expert.
"I talked to the groundskeeper for the Vikings and he's very confident," Grubman said. "He feels good."
The league also is confident that the general-admission process will go smoothly on Monday.
"Around-the-clock planning has been going on for days, and we have people who are used to handling stadiums and crowds including the University of Minnesota," Grubman said. "We're going to have a lot of people helping, a lot of signage, and I think fans will find they're going to be able to get into the stadium and see a good game."
As for the potential snowstorm brewing? "Cold weather and snow doesn't bother Minnesotans and it's not going to bother me," Grubman said. "I'm going to be sitting outside with the fans."
