Members of the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Authority gathered with officials from the Minnesota Vikings, political leaders, and fans of the team at the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis for the ceremonial vote of approval and presentation of the schematics of the new $975 million Vikings stadium
As a step in the process of building a new stadium for the Minnesota Vikings, the team has struck a deal with the University of Minnesota that allows for facility usage.
April 4, 2013 This shows once again the complete lack of organization in Minnesota State Government. The e-pulltab money is coming up short so rather than be resourceful and look for alternatives, some lawmakers want a "do over" on the Viking's stadium bill that they already passed.
March 19, 2013 With the Minnesota Vikings preparing to open their new stadium in a few years, there are still major financial obligations to put into place and they received great news from the league this week.
September 18, 2012 Minnesota's first electronic pulltab devices were given final approval Tuesday morning and will be immediately made available across the state. While these devices were a part of the stadium funding plan for the Minnesota Vikings, it covers more than that.
May 26, 2012 On Thursday, the Minneapolis City Council approved the Minnesota Vikings stadium by a vote of 7-6, in preliminary vote. Friday morning, that vote held true and now the bill for a new Vikings stadium has cleared the final political hurdle.
May 24, 2012 Before this most recent Vikings stadium saga, the Minneapolis city council approved the idea of a stadium using redirected sales taxes. It was a very close vote, with the council approving by a vote count of 7 votes in favor and 6 opposed. Armed with the belief that the city council would approve a stadium, Governor Mark Dayton and other Viking stadium supporters went to work on a bill and then the the roller coaster ride began in full.
May 11, 2012 What a week! The Vikings stadium plan made it through in the nick of time, with the team expected to play there in 2016. The Vikings will play at the Metrodome in 2012, but what happens after that? They may get some more time in the 'dome, but they will play at least one season on the University Of Minnesota campus at TCF Stadium.
May 10, 2012 I have been following this for awhile and 'As The Stadium Turns' appears to be ending with the end result being a brand new stadium for the Minnesota Vikings. Will this benefit Viking's owner Zygi Wilf? Of course it will but he is the one who is putting up the lions share of money for the stadium, and more than most NFL owners are on the hook for. The big picture is that this will benefit the state too and not just with the instant construction jobs it creates.
May 9, 2012 Monday the House passed a stadium plan with some modifications. Tuesday it was the Senates turn and after 11 hours of debate, they also have passed a Vikings stadium bill by a vote of 38-28. Like the House, the Minnesota Senate made changes and now the two sides must compromise before sending the bill to its final destination to be signed by Governor Mark Dayton.
April 19, 2012 Roger Goddell is now in Minneapolis, showing just how serious this matter is to the state of Minnesota and the NFL. I respect Mr. Goddell a lot and I think he will be shocked at the lack of understanding some of the politicians have in Minneapolis. Rep. Ann Lenczewski, DFL-Bloomington who opposes the bill wants to know if Governor Mark Dayton called Roger Goddell or if he came on his own. Ann, WHO CARES?! This is a major issue that needs your complete understanding and you're tied up in who called who? This isn't high school student council, where I'm sure you completely rocked. This just illustrates how out of focus some of the politicians are on not just this, but a myriad of issues.
April 19, 2012 What a year of embarrassment for the state of Minnesota. It wasn't long ago we made headlines with the shutdown. Now our "leaders" are being scrutinized across the country once again. Regardless of your stance on the stadium issue, everyone should be concerned with the inability to communicate and work together amongst leadership. They play games and pout. As I mentioned yesterday, the chances the Vikings will leave Minnesota are now stronger than the chances they will stay. The lions share of the blame can be placed on elected officials who dragged their feet for 6 years. I don't know if it was arrogance or ignorance, or a healthy dose of both on their part.
