Punter calls TCF Bank Stadium field 'unplayable'

Vikings punter Chris Kluwe called the field at TCF Bank Stadium "unplayable" on Sunday, but officials with the team and the University of Minnesota insist it will be safe for Monday night's game against the Chicago Bears.

Crews at the university have been racing to get the on-campus open-air stadium ready for the Vikings' rare outdoor home game. The Metrodome remains deflated due to a heavy snowstorm last weekend that tore holes in the roof that couldn't be fixed in time.

University athletics spokesman Garry Bowman said they're "absolutely ready to go."

There was no media access to coaches or players during their walkthrough Sunday, but Kluwe and some other Vikings sounded off on their Twitter accounts. Kluwe tweeted that the field is "hard as concrete."

In quotes distributed by the team, Vikings interim coach Leslie Frazier says conditions will be safe and players don't need to worry.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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