With a late-March snowstorm, a wintery scene greeted Twins fans for the team’s 2008 home opener.

The storm could be a record-setting one. This far into spring, one storm hasn’t produced more than 8 inches of snow in more than 20 years.

The storm had potential to dump 5 to 11 inches of accumulation in Minneapolis, according to the National Weather Service, and a heavy storm warning was in effect through early this morning.

Despite the weather, two University students said nothing would stop them from attending the game.

“It’s completely atypical of the way seasons usually work,” psychology and sociology, law and criminal deviance junior Mike Storlie said. “But it seems to happen every year.”

While the much-maligned roof of the Metrodome will shield spectators, Storlie said he’s disappointed the game’s atmosphere inside won’t match the weather outside.

“You think of the Twins games, you think of open-air stadium, you think of sitting in Wrigley (Field),” he said. “You don’t think of shoveling out your car.”

Journalism junior Joe Nelson said the weather thwarted his pregame plans.

“It would’ve been great outside for before the game, I was thinking about tailgating,” he said. “But today you don’t really want to be outside, which is kind of a shame.”

Still, Nelson said he’d be at the game regardless of the weather and valued the Metrodome’s roof – for now.

“Give the Dome some credit. Even though it’s ugly, you can still appreciate the roof,” he said. “If we had a new stadium, we probably wouldn’t have a game today, and I’d be a little disappointed.”

For those depressed by the wintery weather, relief is in sight.

Temperatures are supposed to return to the low 50s by this weekend, according to the National Weather Service.

–Jake Grovum is a senior staff reporter.