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Minnesota Vikings Unveil New Stadium, Features the World's Largest Clear Roof and Glass Pivoting Doors [PHOTO GALLERY + VIDEO]

Nick Cooper — Tue, 14 May 2013 01:02:08 +0000

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. Michelle Kelm-Helgen, chair of the MSFA, along with Governor Mark [...]

The University of Minnesota and the Minnesota Vikings Reach a Deal on TCF Bank Stadium Usage

Nick Cooper — Thu, 09 May 2013 17:45:38 +0000

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. The agreement allows the Vikings to use TCF Bank Stadium for the 2014 and 2015 NFL seasons, with the option to extend the deal [...]

Will New Bill Put Vikings Stadium On Hold?

David Drew — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 02:13:24 +0000

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. According to StarTribune.com electronic pulltabs were supposed to fund the state’s [...]

Vikings Get Approved For NFL Financing Program

David Drew — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 23:52:20 +0000

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. StarTribune.com is reporting that the Vikings gained approval for the league’s G4 financing program, a plan that enables franchises building new [...]

Electronic Pulltab Games Get Approved in Minnesota, Will Be Put in Circulation Today

David Drew — Tue, 18 Sep 2012 21:08:40 +0000

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. The Minnesota Gambling Control Board claims that going electronic will not only benefit the Minnesota [...]

Vikings Clear Final Hurdle, Stadium Is Officially A Done Deal

David Drew — Sat, 26 May 2012 06:14:25 +0000

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. Now committees will be formed and the final designs will be worked on so that [...]

Minneapolis Council Approves Stadium In Premliminary Vote Thursday

David Drew — Fri, 25 May 2012 01:53:26 +0000

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.

University Of Minnesota Agrees To Let Vikings Use TCF Stadium During Construction

David Drew — Sat, 12 May 2012 04:53:56 +0000

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.

After Years Of Discussion And A Reality That The Vikings Could Leave, A Stadium Plan Is Approved

David Drew — Fri, 11 May 2012 04:33:58 +0000

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.

Senate Approves Vikings Stadium Bill With Changes Of Their Own

David Drew — Wed, 09 May 2012 05:39:33 +0000

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.

With Top NFL Officials Arriving, Vikings Stadium Bill Inches Forward But Still Has Long Way To Go

David Drew — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 19:23:46 +0000

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.

NFL Turns Up Heat: 'There Are Plenty Of Willing Buyers' For Vikings

David Drew — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 05:01:31 +0000

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.

State Contribution To New Vikings Stadium: $398 Million

David Drew — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 22:58:44 +0000

I think today brought fantastic news in that the Minnesota Vikings are as close as they've been to staying put and having a new facility that will help the entire state. There are still some political obstacles to get over, but the momentum is positive.

After days of intense, closed-door meetings, DFL Gov. Mark Dayton and the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday morning announced an agreement for what the governor called, "a new people's stadium" in downtown Minneapolis.

Republicans: Vikings Should Only Get Loan For New Stadium

David Drew — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 20:19:56 +0000

Well, this should go over like a fart in church. If a pro sports team is of no benefit to the state, then all the businesses and people that benefit from having a professional franchise should not have to pay taxes. Perhaps then these pantloads would see just how big of a benefit such franchises are to the state.

Saying that they had the only Minnesota Vikings stadium plan that could pass the Legislature, three Republican senators offered a plan

Tentative Vikings Stadium Deal Is Set

David Drew — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 04:49:19 +0000

The latest update in 'As The Stadium Turns'. It appears there is a tentative in place but, as you will see, there are a couple big hurdles to overcome before there would be an official green light. Of course, this is an election year too so you never know what crazy things will happen.

Minneapolis, the state and the Minnesota Vikings have reached a tentative agreement on a new, $975 million stadium on a site at or near the Metrodome and on how to divide the costs, multiple sources said Friday.

Under the preliminary deal, the city would contribute

White Earth Tribe To Propose Metro Casino To Help Fund New Stadium

David Drew — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 00:06:57 +0000

A possible win-win compromise between the White Earth Tribe and the state? Should be an interesting press conference Thursday. Officials with the White Earth Tribe will announce Thursday morning a plan to build a metro-area tribal casino with the state that would help pay for a new Minnesota Vikings stadium. According to the tribe’s [...]

Minneapolis Rallies Support For New Vikings Stadium

David Drew — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 23:37:08 +0000

Another update on the soap opera I like to call 'As The Stadium Turns..'
In an effort to show support for a new stadium to both legislators and fence-sitting City Council members, Minneapolis city, labor and business leaders joined together Monday to underscore that a new Vikings stadium would mean 7,500 union jobs for Minnesota's hard-pressed construction industry.

Vikings, Mpls. Now Looking At A Stadium Site Next To The Dome

David Drew — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 06:25:39 +0000

I wonder if there will be a day when we solve this issue. At least the focus is now in the same area.

Minneapolis and Minnesota Vikings officials said Monday they're scrutinizing a parcel of land next to the Metrodome in hopes of continuing to play at the old stadium while the new one is under construction.

Wilf 'Optimistic' About Metrodome Site, But Problems Remain

David Drew — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 01:12:49 +0000

Of course, don't rule out Arden Hills either. It's crunch time for the Vikings stadium decision.

Minnesota Vikings owner Zygi Wilf emerged from a three-hour meeting Wednesday in Gov. Mark Dayton’s office and said he was “optimistic” that the team’s new stadium could be built at the Metrodome.

But Wilf, the governor, Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak and others painted a disjointed picture of how much progress was being made toward a new stadium, with Rybak again insisting that the city would not participate financially unless there was also monetary relief for Minneapolis’ Target Center.

City Of Shakopee Shows Interest In Being The MN Vikings New Home

Cathy Kates — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 16:19:15 +0000

Enter…another entity vying to be the new home of the MN Vikes. Now the City of Shakopee throws their hat in the ring, or should we say stadium. Brad Tabke has been the Mayor of Shakopee for exactly one week. In that time he has declared Shakopee open for business and he is trying [...]