After decades of stadium debates for the Twins, Gophers, & the Vikings, it appears the final one may be drawing to a close. On NBC Sunday Night Football it was reported by SI's Peter King that the Vikings will NOT be moving to LA and that a stadium deal is close! It was not announced which site will be part of the deal although the preferred site of the Vikings and Vikings fans is the TCAAP site in Arden Hills.
Numerous other outlets have also repeated the report and although it is clearly in the early stages it does appear there is some substance to the story.
Therefore LA bite me!! You will not be stealing a 2nd team from Minny!
This stadium deal has been a long and difficult struggle but will definitely benefit the state of Minnesota and keep a state asset where it belongs.
Congratulations to the Vikings and Vikings fans everywhere!!
VOYAGEUR COUNTRY-RED ZONE: Fans perspective and analysis of the Minnesota Vikings, other favorite NFL teams on occassion including Miami Dolphins, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Houston Texans, Denver Broncos and Oakland Raiders. Additional opinions on traditional rivals the Green Bay Packers, and Chicago Bears as well as other hated teams the Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants and San Francisco 49ers.
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Time for Vikes to Ponder Future at QB
Enough is enough already! Donovan McNabb was brought in here because of the lockout shortened offseason and to prevent a slow start. Really? When does he start doing that? His passes have been inaccurate, he has shown poor decision making abilities and a total lack of leadership. He has shown no passion and is lackadaisical in his approach to the game.
Christian Ponder is only the Vikings 3rd ever 1st Round selection of a QB after Two Can Tommy and Daunte Culpepper in the 51 year history of the team. It is time to see what he can do as a starter. The season is now officially lost due to poor decision making, and a lack of urgency, you could even call it apathy. Fans are sick of the team raiding AARP meetings for a stopgap QB.
Oh wise ones at Winter Park the time is now. You have already wasted 2011, at least let the kid get a head start on 2012 so that season isn't wasted as well.
One positive is, hey we get another high draft pick next year. Time to start playing to win. No more excuses.
Childress got fired for losing the team last year? What would this be called? Besides being 1 of the 2 worst seasons in Vikings history.
The Pack is up next week. Something to Ponder.......
Christian Ponder is only the Vikings 3rd ever 1st Round selection of a QB after Two Can Tommy and Daunte Culpepper in the 51 year history of the team. It is time to see what he can do as a starter. The season is now officially lost due to poor decision making, and a lack of urgency, you could even call it apathy. Fans are sick of the team raiding AARP meetings for a stopgap QB.
Oh wise ones at Winter Park the time is now. You have already wasted 2011, at least let the kid get a head start on 2012 so that season isn't wasted as well.
One positive is, hey we get another high draft pick next year. Time to start playing to win. No more excuses.
Childress got fired for losing the team last year? What would this be called? Besides being 1 of the 2 worst seasons in Vikings history.
The Pack is up next week. Something to Ponder.......
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Star Tribune Conflict of Interest in Vikings Stadium Debate
I am a little dissapointed in the people of Minnesota when it comes to the Vikings Stadium debate. This is not because they are not on the same side of the issue as I am, because this issue crosses party lines and there are numerous reasons that can affect someones viewpoint regardless of affilliation. It is however because of how easily they are manipulated by local media and allow it to affect their decision making even if proven to be false.
People are repeatedly being brain washed by the Star Tribune and their bully pulpit and told how they should feel about this and any issue for that matter. The Star Tribune will continue these tactics, including blatantly lying, until they get what they want. For you die hard anti stadium people you should know their goal is not to defeat any stadium legislation. It is to defeat any legislation that would affect them or where they do not profit from the deal.
In other words, right now the bill currently awaiting a special session is for a new stadium to be built on the former site of the Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant in Arden Hills. The Star Tribune is solely opposed to the location of the stadium, they are upset and are demanding it be built on the site of the Metrodome or that the #biginflatabletoilet is renovated inside and out. Why? Well...because they own all the land around the Metrodome and stand to make a tidy profit. Much like they have with all the price gouging parking lots they have owned since 1982. That is the same reason they last used their bully pulpit to get the ill conceived cesspool built in the first place.
The Star Tribune has no intention of telling the public the truth and will lie until the tide turns and the stadium is projected to be built in Minneapolis. At which time they will profess to have been long time stadium backers just waiting for a deal that makes sense and they will convince you at that time it does. Then like the trained monkeys you are....you will follow. The problem is why not make this location work now and save a lot of money and do what is best for Minny? Think about it, whenever it is profitable you can not go without seeing their name scattered everywhere in support...if it is good for others or the state as a whole but not them, well then....the last propaganda machine this effective ended badly for all.
While I fully support freedom of the press it is with the condition that it is ethical journalism. We already have one National Enquirer we don't need a local rag version. I call on the Star Tribune to fully disclose their sources and facts from hereon in regarding the stadium issue. In addition I call on them to fully disclose with each article they "write", all of their financial gains since and as a result of the inception of the Metrodome with projected financial windfalls from any proposed new Vikings Stadium in Minneapolis or renovated Metrodome.
This would show they have SOME integrity and that their ultimate goal is what is best for the people of Minnesota. As it appears right now they are not interested in accurate reporting or ethical journalism or what is in the best interest of the people. They are solely interested in biased self indulgent reporting. They should be worried about avoiding a 2nd Bankruptcy filing or total cessation of operations due to piss poor management.
I call on the people of Minnesota to boycott the Star Tribune and their interests until they fully disclose the above and begin unbiased factual reporting.
#skolvikes #vikingsstadiumsolution #tcaap #specialsession #startribuneboycott
People are repeatedly being brain washed by the Star Tribune and their bully pulpit and told how they should feel about this and any issue for that matter. The Star Tribune will continue these tactics, including blatantly lying, until they get what they want. For you die hard anti stadium people you should know their goal is not to defeat any stadium legislation. It is to defeat any legislation that would affect them or where they do not profit from the deal.
In other words, right now the bill currently awaiting a special session is for a new stadium to be built on the former site of the Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant in Arden Hills. The Star Tribune is solely opposed to the location of the stadium, they are upset and are demanding it be built on the site of the Metrodome or that the #biginflatabletoilet is renovated inside and out. Why? Well...because they own all the land around the Metrodome and stand to make a tidy profit. Much like they have with all the price gouging parking lots they have owned since 1982. That is the same reason they last used their bully pulpit to get the ill conceived cesspool built in the first place.
The Star Tribune has no intention of telling the public the truth and will lie until the tide turns and the stadium is projected to be built in Minneapolis. At which time they will profess to have been long time stadium backers just waiting for a deal that makes sense and they will convince you at that time it does. Then like the trained monkeys you are....you will follow. The problem is why not make this location work now and save a lot of money and do what is best for Minny? Think about it, whenever it is profitable you can not go without seeing their name scattered everywhere in support...if it is good for others or the state as a whole but not them, well then....the last propaganda machine this effective ended badly for all.
While I fully support freedom of the press it is with the condition that it is ethical journalism. We already have one National Enquirer we don't need a local rag version. I call on the Star Tribune to fully disclose their sources and facts from hereon in regarding the stadium issue. In addition I call on them to fully disclose with each article they "write", all of their financial gains since and as a result of the inception of the Metrodome with projected financial windfalls from any proposed new Vikings Stadium in Minneapolis or renovated Metrodome.
This would show they have SOME integrity and that their ultimate goal is what is best for the people of Minnesota. As it appears right now they are not interested in accurate reporting or ethical journalism or what is in the best interest of the people. They are solely interested in biased self indulgent reporting. They should be worried about avoiding a 2nd Bankruptcy filing or total cessation of operations due to piss poor management.
I call on the people of Minnesota to boycott the Star Tribune and their interests until they fully disclose the above and begin unbiased factual reporting.
#skolvikes #vikingsstadiumsolution #tcaap #specialsession #startribuneboycott
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Stadium Special Session
The Vikings Stadium debate has now been raging for nearly a decade. The Minnesota State Legislature itself promised resolution during the 2006 Legislative Session after the Vikings graciously stepped aside so that stadium issues for the Twins & Gophers could be resolved. Our Governor Mark Dayton at the start of the 2011 session promised the issue would be addressed once and for all.
All the Vikings and their fans are asking for is the same treatment & respect every other team in this market has been given. Hear the stadium bill and vote on its merits. Vote it up or down but vote on it, this has dragged on long enough, and #mnleg you are out of excuses. It is now time to be accountable to your constituents as an elected official. It is not the peoples job to vote on issues, it is those representatives who were duly elected whose DUTY and RESPONSIBILITY it is to act on behalf of the voters they are sworn to represent. The citizenry does not have the option of demanding referendums on hand picked issues. It is your job to act on the long term interests of the state of Minnesota. Number one question is does it benefit Minnesota, with both the simple and complex answers being yes.
This bill creates new jobs & revenue streams, as well as saves those already existing. A new Vikings stadium would likely lead to annual revenue going INTO the state general fund in excess of $25-30 million annually. Leaders how would you propose replacing that lost revenue when you can not cope with existing shortfalls? The Metrodome, an ill conceived venue has led to over $340 million pouring into state coffers since 1982 of which over $180+ million is a direct result of the Vikings. This is after a $55 million bonding bill and again no state general fund dollars, which was paid off in around 1/2 the mandated time. Failure to act or nonfeasance would result in the loss of existing revenue & jobs, prevent the creation of new ones and likely to lead to residual job losses and business failures, which once again would lead to more lost revenue. Minnesota has made its money off the Vikings, now it is time to show our appreciation once and for all, giving them their first permanent home like every other state asset. Show them they are WELCOME and are Minnesota!
This bill is about more than just numbers though, it is also about people, culture, diversity of activities, national competitiveness and exposure. It is about attracting new residents and new businesses. It is about players and staff that give back to the community and create hope and pride through the Vikings Childrens Fund or the numerous other individual charities they operate and/or support.
It is about the former residents of Minny scattered nationwide who still yearn to call Minnesota home and to have that sliver of home and hometown pride. It is about the residents of Western Wisconsin, of Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Wyoming and yes even from Canada who support the Vikings and travel here once, or more, per year to support their favorite team.
Minnesota is not great because of the Vikings, we are great because we value the: Vikings, Twins, Wild, (cough,cough) Timberwolves, Lynx, Gophers, Valleyfair, State Fair, Renaissance Festival, Ordway Theatre, The Orpheum, The Science Museum, The Walker Art Center, etc.....It is because we value the interests and beliefs of all and choose to create a diverse community and not cater to one class or belief. Yes, football is a blue collar sport but we are still a blue collar hard working community and the Vikings reflect those beliefs and efforts.
The majority of people opposing this bill do not even know what they are opposing and/or refuse to look for solutions that benefit us all as a state and that is not the way of Minnesota. There are solutions with little to minimal to no impact on the budget of the average Minnesotan unless they choose to be involved. The biggest is user fees which is a section of the bill as currently constituted. These fees and/or taxes are only paid if you CHOOSE to support, IE...sports memorabilia tax, ticket tax, parking tax, captured and dedicated Vikings Taxes(if they are gone so are these, put them to work), venue only tax, stadium district tax on businesses benefitting from new venue, etc...There is also Racino, time to stop caving to special interests and use this incredible job and revenue producing source. What about the Legacy Fund, it is already being used for the arts, this is art and entertainment and majority of those funds are from people more likely to support Vikings than the Arts.
Is is time to act in the bests interests of Minnesota both now and in the future, because as other cities (Baltimore, Cleveland, Houston, L.A, St. Louis) have shown us once you lose your NFL team you immediately realize the loss and begin the process of replacement. How has that worked for Minnesota in the past? The Minnesota North Stars could have been retained in 1993 for $20 million in renovations to Met Center instead we paid over $300 million to replace them with the Wild. We can now keep the Vikings for the cost of $1.057 billion to build a new stadium of which the Vikings are paying $407+ million, and $300 million of USER fees not state general fund dollars, these funds do not exist without this deal. The remaining portion is from an eager local partner that sees the long term growth potential and revenue streams it creates. All this can be adjusted but you have to sit down and do what you promised! The time is now! Call a special session or this deal goes up $50 million per year, it has already increased by around $250-$300 million due to excuses of the legislature. Due the math, $1.057 billion now or $2.2 billion later WHEN we want a new team and IF they give us one!
#skolvikes
All the Vikings and their fans are asking for is the same treatment & respect every other team in this market has been given. Hear the stadium bill and vote on its merits. Vote it up or down but vote on it, this has dragged on long enough, and #mnleg you are out of excuses. It is now time to be accountable to your constituents as an elected official. It is not the peoples job to vote on issues, it is those representatives who were duly elected whose DUTY and RESPONSIBILITY it is to act on behalf of the voters they are sworn to represent. The citizenry does not have the option of demanding referendums on hand picked issues. It is your job to act on the long term interests of the state of Minnesota. Number one question is does it benefit Minnesota, with both the simple and complex answers being yes.
This bill creates new jobs & revenue streams, as well as saves those already existing. A new Vikings stadium would likely lead to annual revenue going INTO the state general fund in excess of $25-30 million annually. Leaders how would you propose replacing that lost revenue when you can not cope with existing shortfalls? The Metrodome, an ill conceived venue has led to over $340 million pouring into state coffers since 1982 of which over $180+ million is a direct result of the Vikings. This is after a $55 million bonding bill and again no state general fund dollars, which was paid off in around 1/2 the mandated time. Failure to act or nonfeasance would result in the loss of existing revenue & jobs, prevent the creation of new ones and likely to lead to residual job losses and business failures, which once again would lead to more lost revenue. Minnesota has made its money off the Vikings, now it is time to show our appreciation once and for all, giving them their first permanent home like every other state asset. Show them they are WELCOME and are Minnesota!
This bill is about more than just numbers though, it is also about people, culture, diversity of activities, national competitiveness and exposure. It is about attracting new residents and new businesses. It is about players and staff that give back to the community and create hope and pride through the Vikings Childrens Fund or the numerous other individual charities they operate and/or support.
It is about the former residents of Minny scattered nationwide who still yearn to call Minnesota home and to have that sliver of home and hometown pride. It is about the residents of Western Wisconsin, of Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Wyoming and yes even from Canada who support the Vikings and travel here once, or more, per year to support their favorite team.
Minnesota is not great because of the Vikings, we are great because we value the: Vikings, Twins, Wild, (cough,cough) Timberwolves, Lynx, Gophers, Valleyfair, State Fair, Renaissance Festival, Ordway Theatre, The Orpheum, The Science Museum, The Walker Art Center, etc.....It is because we value the interests and beliefs of all and choose to create a diverse community and not cater to one class or belief. Yes, football is a blue collar sport but we are still a blue collar hard working community and the Vikings reflect those beliefs and efforts.
The majority of people opposing this bill do not even know what they are opposing and/or refuse to look for solutions that benefit us all as a state and that is not the way of Minnesota. There are solutions with little to minimal to no impact on the budget of the average Minnesotan unless they choose to be involved. The biggest is user fees which is a section of the bill as currently constituted. These fees and/or taxes are only paid if you CHOOSE to support, IE...sports memorabilia tax, ticket tax, parking tax, captured and dedicated Vikings Taxes(if they are gone so are these, put them to work), venue only tax, stadium district tax on businesses benefitting from new venue, etc...There is also Racino, time to stop caving to special interests and use this incredible job and revenue producing source. What about the Legacy Fund, it is already being used for the arts, this is art and entertainment and majority of those funds are from people more likely to support Vikings than the Arts.
Is is time to act in the bests interests of Minnesota both now and in the future, because as other cities (Baltimore, Cleveland, Houston, L.A, St. Louis) have shown us once you lose your NFL team you immediately realize the loss and begin the process of replacement. How has that worked for Minnesota in the past? The Minnesota North Stars could have been retained in 1993 for $20 million in renovations to Met Center instead we paid over $300 million to replace them with the Wild. We can now keep the Vikings for the cost of $1.057 billion to build a new stadium of which the Vikings are paying $407+ million, and $300 million of USER fees not state general fund dollars, these funds do not exist without this deal. The remaining portion is from an eager local partner that sees the long term growth potential and revenue streams it creates. All this can be adjusted but you have to sit down and do what you promised! The time is now! Call a special session or this deal goes up $50 million per year, it has already increased by around $250-$300 million due to excuses of the legislature. Due the math, $1.057 billion now or $2.2 billion later WHEN we want a new team and IF they give us one!
#skolvikes
2011 Season: Vikings 53 Man Roster
OK so the 2011 offseason and the strange effects of the lockout on training camp and signings are finally over. The Vikings made their final cuts yesterday to get their roster from 80 down to the required 53.
While most of the roster was not a surprise there were a few moves that were either intriguing or baffling. First lets set the roster by position:
QB: McNabb, Ponder, Webb
Although Webb is the likely #3 on the depth chart it is also likely he will see the field, at least initially, more than Ponder (barring a McNabb injury or subpar play) due to his athleticism and the fits he will cause D-Coordinators.
RB: Peterson, Gerhart, Booker
Great stable of backs with different styles and change of pace. Only question mark the fumbling of Booker, although exciting. If Caleb King is not picked up on waivers he could be a late season addition if Booker continues poor ball handling.
WR: Harvin, Jenkins, Berrian, Camarillo, Aramoshodu
A lot of diversity and options. Consistency and effort not lacking. Issue big play deep threat receiver is lacking from this group.
TE: Shiancoe, Rudolph, Kleinsasser, Reisner
Wow!! Best group of TE's in Minny as long as I can remember from top to bottom. Main issue is blocking ability aside from Kleinsasser.
OL: Johnson, Hutchinson, Sullivan, Herrera, Loadholt, Cooper, Love, Olsen, Fusco, Brown
Definitely upgraded from last year, starters and depth look good. Biggest weakness inexperience and depth at Tackle.
Special Teams: K - Longwell, P - Kluwe, LS - Loeffler
SOLID!
DL: Robison, K.Williams (suspended 2 games/roster exemption), Ayodele, Allen, Guion, Griffen, Ballard, Reed, Evans, Awasom
Starting 4 solid, big year for Robison to show worthy of promotion. Depth at Tackle solid although End depth & experience a bit of a concern.
LB: EJ Henderson, Greenway, E. Henderson, Onatolu, Dean
Very solid, swarming aggressive group, the strength of the defense.
CB: Winfield, C. Griffin, C.Cook, A. Allen, Burton, Sherels
S: Sanford, T.Johnson, Frampton, Abdullah, Raymond
Biggest question mark of the defense, other than 3 of the 4 starters who are solid, which is one reason 11 guys were kept.
Once the above roster was set, the team could start looking at the make up of the practice squad which can consist of 8 players. Some of the guys I think will be looked at:
FB: D'Imperio, Asiata
RB: C. King
WR: Iglesias, Burton and maybe Arcenaux
There might be a couple others looked at from Vikings cuts however I think the remaining spots will be filled from other teams espescially for OL & DB.
Although the writing was on the wall for the most part due to high salary and ability to realistically only be an impact player on Special Teams, the release of Heath Farwell was a big one for the Vikings. They also placed LB Jasper Brinkley on IR due to hip issue which will require surgery. Long time TE Jeff Dugan was a surprise to many although I believe justified as he had been in purple for 5 years and yet to significantly contribute, cant catch and average at best blocker, being a great guy with no ability doesnt win a Super Bowl. The other cut that was somewhat of a surprise was WR Jaymar Johnson, I had the Vikings keeping 6 receivers with Johnson being the primary KR/PR man, albeit in the #6 slot. However with the strong camp of Sherels as a return man and Lorenzo Booker, the Vikings apparently decided the roster spot was best used on OL or DB, which really can' t be argued as both are glaring weaknesses on an otherwise decent looking roster, although young.
While most of the roster was not a surprise there were a few moves that were either intriguing or baffling. First lets set the roster by position:
QB: McNabb, Ponder, Webb
Although Webb is the likely #3 on the depth chart it is also likely he will see the field, at least initially, more than Ponder (barring a McNabb injury or subpar play) due to his athleticism and the fits he will cause D-Coordinators.
RB: Peterson, Gerhart, Booker
Great stable of backs with different styles and change of pace. Only question mark the fumbling of Booker, although exciting. If Caleb King is not picked up on waivers he could be a late season addition if Booker continues poor ball handling.
WR: Harvin, Jenkins, Berrian, Camarillo, Aramoshodu
A lot of diversity and options. Consistency and effort not lacking. Issue big play deep threat receiver is lacking from this group.
TE: Shiancoe, Rudolph, Kleinsasser, Reisner
Wow!! Best group of TE's in Minny as long as I can remember from top to bottom. Main issue is blocking ability aside from Kleinsasser.
OL: Johnson, Hutchinson, Sullivan, Herrera, Loadholt, Cooper, Love, Olsen, Fusco, Brown
Definitely upgraded from last year, starters and depth look good. Biggest weakness inexperience and depth at Tackle.
Special Teams: K - Longwell, P - Kluwe, LS - Loeffler
SOLID!
DL: Robison, K.Williams (suspended 2 games/roster exemption), Ayodele, Allen, Guion, Griffen, Ballard, Reed, Evans, Awasom
Starting 4 solid, big year for Robison to show worthy of promotion. Depth at Tackle solid although End depth & experience a bit of a concern.
LB: EJ Henderson, Greenway, E. Henderson, Onatolu, Dean
Very solid, swarming aggressive group, the strength of the defense.
CB: Winfield, C. Griffin, C.Cook, A. Allen, Burton, Sherels
S: Sanford, T.Johnson, Frampton, Abdullah, Raymond
Biggest question mark of the defense, other than 3 of the 4 starters who are solid, which is one reason 11 guys were kept.
Once the above roster was set, the team could start looking at the make up of the practice squad which can consist of 8 players. Some of the guys I think will be looked at:
FB: D'Imperio, Asiata
RB: C. King
WR: Iglesias, Burton and maybe Arcenaux
There might be a couple others looked at from Vikings cuts however I think the remaining spots will be filled from other teams espescially for OL & DB.
Although the writing was on the wall for the most part due to high salary and ability to realistically only be an impact player on Special Teams, the release of Heath Farwell was a big one for the Vikings. They also placed LB Jasper Brinkley on IR due to hip issue which will require surgery. Long time TE Jeff Dugan was a surprise to many although I believe justified as he had been in purple for 5 years and yet to significantly contribute, cant catch and average at best blocker, being a great guy with no ability doesnt win a Super Bowl. The other cut that was somewhat of a surprise was WR Jaymar Johnson, I had the Vikings keeping 6 receivers with Johnson being the primary KR/PR man, albeit in the #6 slot. However with the strong camp of Sherels as a return man and Lorenzo Booker, the Vikings apparently decided the roster spot was best used on OL or DB, which really can' t be argued as both are glaring weaknesses on an otherwise decent looking roster, although young.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Vikings Stadium Solution: A Return To Tailgating
May 9, 2011 was a potentially historic day for Minnesota and the Vikings as it appears they will be linked for at least another 30 years. The Vikings held a press conference along with Ramsey County to announce a partnership with the goal of a final stadium solution. This appears to be the last hurdle required to obtain legislative approval as bills have been submitted in both houses and a site has been selected in Arden Hills at the former Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant (TCAAP).
The agreement proposes an $884 million stadium be built at the former TCAAP with a total cost of $1.057 billion after infrastructure and environmental cleanup costs of $173 million are added. It calls for the Vikings to be responsible for $407 million, which is 44% of the stadium cost or 39% of the total cost. Ramsey County would be responsible for $350 million, or 33% of the total cost through a .5% county wide sales tax. The State of Minnesota would then be responsible for $300 million or 28% collected through user fees, lottery scratch offs, and tax on direct satellite services.
Any cost overruns and/or improvements would be the responsibility of the Vikings as well as 90% of the overall operating costs of the new venue which would be state owned. They would also be required to sign a 30 year ironclad lease to play in the new venue & remain in Minnesota. The venue is expected be ready for use in 2015.
As it stands the facility would have a retractable roof, making it a multi-use facility, with 65K seats for football which would be expandable to 72K for a Super Bowl. There would also be 21K parking spaces included with the facility, meaning the return of tailgating to Vikings football games. It will truly become a gameday experience unlike what we have seen the last 30 years.
The last remaining hurdle for a stadium solution becoming a reality is legislative approval, as Governor Dayton has already said he will sign a stadium bill. The current 2011 legislative session only has 13 days remaining as of 5/9/11. A lot of negotiating has been going on at the capitol in anticipation of the Vikings reaching a deal with a local partner and selecting a site. Now that this has been completed look for things to heat up beginning 5/10/11 through the end of the session and if necessary a special session.
Vikings fans there has never been a more important time than now to contact your legislators to encourage their support of this vital legislation to ensure the Vikings remain in Minny, where they belong, for the forseeable future. PLEASE visit: www.savethevikes.org/huddle-up/ (click act now)
The agreement proposes an $884 million stadium be built at the former TCAAP with a total cost of $1.057 billion after infrastructure and environmental cleanup costs of $173 million are added. It calls for the Vikings to be responsible for $407 million, which is 44% of the stadium cost or 39% of the total cost. Ramsey County would be responsible for $350 million, or 33% of the total cost through a .5% county wide sales tax. The State of Minnesota would then be responsible for $300 million or 28% collected through user fees, lottery scratch offs, and tax on direct satellite services.
Any cost overruns and/or improvements would be the responsibility of the Vikings as well as 90% of the overall operating costs of the new venue which would be state owned. They would also be required to sign a 30 year ironclad lease to play in the new venue & remain in Minnesota. The venue is expected be ready for use in 2015.
As it stands the facility would have a retractable roof, making it a multi-use facility, with 65K seats for football which would be expandable to 72K for a Super Bowl. There would also be 21K parking spaces included with the facility, meaning the return of tailgating to Vikings football games. It will truly become a gameday experience unlike what we have seen the last 30 years.
The last remaining hurdle for a stadium solution becoming a reality is legislative approval, as Governor Dayton has already said he will sign a stadium bill. The current 2011 legislative session only has 13 days remaining as of 5/9/11. A lot of negotiating has been going on at the capitol in anticipation of the Vikings reaching a deal with a local partner and selecting a site. Now that this has been completed look for things to heat up beginning 5/10/11 through the end of the session and if necessary a special session.
Vikings fans there has never been a more important time than now to contact your legislators to encourage their support of this vital legislation to ensure the Vikings remain in Minny, where they belong, for the forseeable future. PLEASE visit: www.savethevikes.org/huddle-up/ (click act now)
Friday, May 6, 2011
Vikings Stadium Solution Down To The Wire
The Vikings Stadium debate has consumed the state of Minnesota for around a decade now. The 2011 state legislature has bills introduced in both branches that could finally rectify the situation and lock the Vikings up in Minnesota for decades to come. If we do this right they shouldnt need a new stadium in my lifetime. Yes they may need renovations in 30-40 years and upgrades as we go but the major issue will be solved once and for all.
The Vikings are the last remaining major team in Minnesota to have their facility situation addressed and resolved. There has been conflicting information coming from the legislature as to whether or not the issue will even get a hearing.
One big obstacle to the bill going to committee has been the absence of a committed local partner. That situation seems to be changing and is very fluid. Recently 3 sites existed for a potential new venue. First on the site of the current stadium (the #biginflatabletoilet). Second on the site of the Farmers Market in Minneapolis near Target Field which would create a stadium district, but would be more expensive. Then there is the Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant in Arden Hills which was considered the least likely early on in the process.
In recent days a group of investors made a serious push for the Farmers Market site, however Hennepin County Commission Chair Mike Opat recently announced they were pulling out as an option for a local partner. This all but killed the chances for the Farmers Market site and left a big question mark for the current stadium site as well.
The Vikings and Ramsey County have been negotiating feverishly for the TCAAP site and according to County Commisioner Tony Bennett are nearing an agreement with transportation issues being the last major hurdle.
The wild card and unknown in all of this is a statement paraphrased on Twitter by KFAN which was made by Lester Bagley, the Vikings Stadium representative, that the team has been actively negotiating with 2 potential local partners and that a deal will be finalized soon. The question remains who is the 2nd local partner and which site is being pursued.
One thing is certain and that is time is running out on this legislative session, as there is only 17 days remaining, and potentially the Vikings future in Minnesota.
Vikings fans and any other Minnesotan that understands the benefit provided to our community by the team, the time is now and your assistance is needed in making this deal a reality. The dome is down, the lease is up, & there is 17 days remaining in the 2011 #mnleg session. We need to make this happen by contacting our legislators to get them behind this and get the bill approved so that Governor Mark Dayton can sign the long anticipated bill for the new home of MINNESOTA Vikings football and our favorite team.
Since the Metrodome opened, the state general fund has received over $320 million in revenue of which the Vikings are responsible for over $186 million with $0 out of the general fund. Ted Mondale the Governors point man for a new stadium released numbers from a study showing that a new venue would result in a profit of over $500 million to the state of Minnesota after all was said and done, again with $0 general fund dollars.
If the Vikings leave, the state of Minnesota stands to lose a lot of revenue and jobs at a time when both are at a premium. PLEASE visit the sites below to get on board the Vikings bandwagon and to contact your legislators to get this vital legislation into the hands of Gov. Dayton who has promised his signature:
www.savethevikes.org/huddle-up/
www.vikings.com/stadium/
The Vikings are the last remaining major team in Minnesota to have their facility situation addressed and resolved. There has been conflicting information coming from the legislature as to whether or not the issue will even get a hearing.
One big obstacle to the bill going to committee has been the absence of a committed local partner. That situation seems to be changing and is very fluid. Recently 3 sites existed for a potential new venue. First on the site of the current stadium (the #biginflatabletoilet). Second on the site of the Farmers Market in Minneapolis near Target Field which would create a stadium district, but would be more expensive. Then there is the Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant in Arden Hills which was considered the least likely early on in the process.
In recent days a group of investors made a serious push for the Farmers Market site, however Hennepin County Commission Chair Mike Opat recently announced they were pulling out as an option for a local partner. This all but killed the chances for the Farmers Market site and left a big question mark for the current stadium site as well.
The Vikings and Ramsey County have been negotiating feverishly for the TCAAP site and according to County Commisioner Tony Bennett are nearing an agreement with transportation issues being the last major hurdle.
The wild card and unknown in all of this is a statement paraphrased on Twitter by KFAN which was made by Lester Bagley, the Vikings Stadium representative, that the team has been actively negotiating with 2 potential local partners and that a deal will be finalized soon. The question remains who is the 2nd local partner and which site is being pursued.
One thing is certain and that is time is running out on this legislative session, as there is only 17 days remaining, and potentially the Vikings future in Minnesota.
Vikings fans and any other Minnesotan that understands the benefit provided to our community by the team, the time is now and your assistance is needed in making this deal a reality. The dome is down, the lease is up, & there is 17 days remaining in the 2011 #mnleg session. We need to make this happen by contacting our legislators to get them behind this and get the bill approved so that Governor Mark Dayton can sign the long anticipated bill for the new home of MINNESOTA Vikings football and our favorite team.
Since the Metrodome opened, the state general fund has received over $320 million in revenue of which the Vikings are responsible for over $186 million with $0 out of the general fund. Ted Mondale the Governors point man for a new stadium released numbers from a study showing that a new venue would result in a profit of over $500 million to the state of Minnesota after all was said and done, again with $0 general fund dollars.
If the Vikings leave, the state of Minnesota stands to lose a lot of revenue and jobs at a time when both are at a premium. PLEASE visit the sites below to get on board the Vikings bandwagon and to contact your legislators to get this vital legislation into the hands of Gov. Dayton who has promised his signature:
www.savethevikes.org/huddle-up/
www.vikings.com/stadium/
Vikings 2011 Offseason
The 2011 Vikings offseason started with a lot of uncertainty about the direction & future of the team. Coach Brad Childress was fired just past the midpoint of the season and replaced by Defensive Coordinator Leslie Frazier on an interim basis. The Vikings closed out the 2010 season with a 6-10 record and more questions than answers.
Many people assumed that based on the way the season progressed Leslie Frazier would be let go with the Wilfs preferring a fresh start and overhauling the coaching staff. Surprisingly however the Wilfs moved quickly after the season and offered Frazier the Head Coach position on a permanent basis.
Frazier conducted a thorough review of the remaining coaches and several changes were made to the staff. His first and easiest move was to make Fred Pagac the permanent Defensive Coordinator after being promoted on an interim basis to that role when Frazier assumed the role of Head Coach. Brian Murphy departed early on in the process which created an opening for Mike Prieffer as Special Teams Coordinator. Darrell Bevell the Offensive Coordinator was allowed to depart for Seattle (thankfully) also as Frazier was already looking at options for his OC, which he filled with Atlanta QB coach Bill Musgrave (a one time NFL backup). One move that really stands out in my opinion though is the hiring of Mike Singletary, former head coach of the San Francisco 49'ers and longtime bears LB, as the teams LB coach/Ass't Head coach. Singletary not only brings valuable experience to the team but a fire & passion that has heen sorely lacking in previous coaches.
Leslie Frazier improved the quality of this team significantly prior to a single player transaction being made. Our coaching staff went from probably a D+ to a B+ overnight, with serious possibilities of a higher rating. Our defense will play with more fire, our special teams with more focus and discipline, and our offense will be playing with a plan not just plodding along.
One big problem however for this coaching staff is the NFL lockout which continues and prohibits teams from player contact. As a result Frazier can not get playbooks out and can not take advantage of his allotted extra mini-camp.
Another issue Frazier faces are some tough personnel decisions, which again can not yet be made due to the lockout. Some of those player decisions have already been made and some will depend on the new CBA terms. Brett Favre has retired (again but this time won' t be back). Travaris Jackson was not tendered and will not be back (confirmed when his #7 issued to new QB Ponder). Ray Edwards was tendered but is insisting he won't be back espescially at lower amount than recently signed Brian Robison. Sidney Rice is a big question mark at this point for the team but they definitely want him back. There have been rumors but nothing with any finality that Bernard Berrian will be released (we can only hope) but the team is likely waiting to see what happens with Rice and its prospects in free agency before pulling the trigger.
Finally the 2011 draft which occurred 1 week ago was steeped in mystery due to the NFL lockout and prohibition of player trades being allowed. Surprisingly it was an active draft weekend of trades involving picks. The Vikings entered the weekend lacking a 3rd round pick for the Randy Moss debacle created by Brad Childress. They were awarded 2 compensatory picks however for a total of 8 picks going into the draft. They made a trade with Cleveland in the middle of the draft to move down and picked up 2 additional picks for a total of 10.
By all accounts the draft was a successul one for the Vikings with grades ranging anywhere from a C+ to an A-. Prersonally I had them rated as a B+ for needs and value with impact to be decided in the coming years. The one question and controversy was the Vikings selection of Florida State QB Christian Ponder at #12. Many had him rated as a late 1st round to early 2nd round at best, therefore he was considered by many to be a reach this high. Although the pick itself was thought of as a good acquistion.
The assertion the pick was a reach is one I flat out disagree with although admittedly I was looking elsewhere on draft day. Ponder is the most NFL ready of all QB' s in this draft class and is flat out the smartest. He also is very familiar with the system new OC Musgrave will be implementing with the purple. My only knock would be potential/upside, not that he doesnt have any, just that his upside is lower than many. Although with Ponder you are getting someone that will succeed at this level, upside is raw talent and never guaranteed, it does not always translate to NFL success.
The rest of the draft saw the Vikings fill all the major existing and projected holes in the lineup, with the lone question marks being OL and WR, which although addressed could use strengthening in free agency. The Vikings got the highest rated TE in the draft Kyle Rudolph out of ND, he was projected as a 1st rounder but fell to the Vikings in the 2nd. An excellent supplement and future replacement for Visanthe Shiancoe. In the 4th the Vikings got more value with projected 2nd rd. pick DT Ballard out of Iowa falling to them due to a failed test for marijuana at the combine. Finally OT Demarcus Love out of Arkansas who was projected as an early round pick fell to the Vikings in the 6th round. These 4 players as well as the other 6 draft picks selected should instantly upgrade an aging Vikings roster. Expect more changes in the coming weeks once free agency begins and don't be surprised if a couple trades are in the offing.
Many people assumed that based on the way the season progressed Leslie Frazier would be let go with the Wilfs preferring a fresh start and overhauling the coaching staff. Surprisingly however the Wilfs moved quickly after the season and offered Frazier the Head Coach position on a permanent basis.
Frazier conducted a thorough review of the remaining coaches and several changes were made to the staff. His first and easiest move was to make Fred Pagac the permanent Defensive Coordinator after being promoted on an interim basis to that role when Frazier assumed the role of Head Coach. Brian Murphy departed early on in the process which created an opening for Mike Prieffer as Special Teams Coordinator. Darrell Bevell the Offensive Coordinator was allowed to depart for Seattle (thankfully) also as Frazier was already looking at options for his OC, which he filled with Atlanta QB coach Bill Musgrave (a one time NFL backup). One move that really stands out in my opinion though is the hiring of Mike Singletary, former head coach of the San Francisco 49'ers and longtime bears LB, as the teams LB coach/Ass't Head coach. Singletary not only brings valuable experience to the team but a fire & passion that has heen sorely lacking in previous coaches.
Leslie Frazier improved the quality of this team significantly prior to a single player transaction being made. Our coaching staff went from probably a D+ to a B+ overnight, with serious possibilities of a higher rating. Our defense will play with more fire, our special teams with more focus and discipline, and our offense will be playing with a plan not just plodding along.
One big problem however for this coaching staff is the NFL lockout which continues and prohibits teams from player contact. As a result Frazier can not get playbooks out and can not take advantage of his allotted extra mini-camp.
Another issue Frazier faces are some tough personnel decisions, which again can not yet be made due to the lockout. Some of those player decisions have already been made and some will depend on the new CBA terms. Brett Favre has retired (again but this time won' t be back). Travaris Jackson was not tendered and will not be back (confirmed when his #7 issued to new QB Ponder). Ray Edwards was tendered but is insisting he won't be back espescially at lower amount than recently signed Brian Robison. Sidney Rice is a big question mark at this point for the team but they definitely want him back. There have been rumors but nothing with any finality that Bernard Berrian will be released (we can only hope) but the team is likely waiting to see what happens with Rice and its prospects in free agency before pulling the trigger.
Finally the 2011 draft which occurred 1 week ago was steeped in mystery due to the NFL lockout and prohibition of player trades being allowed. Surprisingly it was an active draft weekend of trades involving picks. The Vikings entered the weekend lacking a 3rd round pick for the Randy Moss debacle created by Brad Childress. They were awarded 2 compensatory picks however for a total of 8 picks going into the draft. They made a trade with Cleveland in the middle of the draft to move down and picked up 2 additional picks for a total of 10.
By all accounts the draft was a successul one for the Vikings with grades ranging anywhere from a C+ to an A-. Prersonally I had them rated as a B+ for needs and value with impact to be decided in the coming years. The one question and controversy was the Vikings selection of Florida State QB Christian Ponder at #12. Many had him rated as a late 1st round to early 2nd round at best, therefore he was considered by many to be a reach this high. Although the pick itself was thought of as a good acquistion.
The assertion the pick was a reach is one I flat out disagree with although admittedly I was looking elsewhere on draft day. Ponder is the most NFL ready of all QB' s in this draft class and is flat out the smartest. He also is very familiar with the system new OC Musgrave will be implementing with the purple. My only knock would be potential/upside, not that he doesnt have any, just that his upside is lower than many. Although with Ponder you are getting someone that will succeed at this level, upside is raw talent and never guaranteed, it does not always translate to NFL success.
The rest of the draft saw the Vikings fill all the major existing and projected holes in the lineup, with the lone question marks being OL and WR, which although addressed could use strengthening in free agency. The Vikings got the highest rated TE in the draft Kyle Rudolph out of ND, he was projected as a 1st rounder but fell to the Vikings in the 2nd. An excellent supplement and future replacement for Visanthe Shiancoe. In the 4th the Vikings got more value with projected 2nd rd. pick DT Ballard out of Iowa falling to them due to a failed test for marijuana at the combine. Finally OT Demarcus Love out of Arkansas who was projected as an early round pick fell to the Vikings in the 6th round. These 4 players as well as the other 6 draft picks selected should instantly upgrade an aging Vikings roster. Expect more changes in the coming weeks once free agency begins and don't be surprised if a couple trades are in the offing.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
MN Leg 2011 Vikings Stadium Bill Special Session
Well....between twitter and posting here on my blog, I feel like I have addressed everything a fan can with regards to the Vikings and a new stadium. At times this has been frustrating, since some people write one thing then get so many pats on the back they are burping all night.
Granted I am not doing this for personal recognition or ego, I am doing this as a lifelong Vikings fan and to keep the team where they belong in Minny. While I want my effort to be appreciated, even more important to me is that it is effective.
As of today 5/1/11 there are 22 days remaining in the Mn legislative session. The Vikings Stadium bill has been introduced in both chambers but has yet to advance in committee. Legislators claim they are too busy and there are more pressing issues. My response is you have had all session to acomplish these goals and have done nothing but bicker and failed to govern effectively. You are tasked with the responsibility of handling the peoples business and multi-tasking when necessary. Some of the budget issues should have been dealt with before things reached these levels. Additionally a stadium bill and the budget are seperate stand alone issues.
Resolution of a stadium bill does not preclude you from doing your due dilligence on other issues. Funding for this bill has no bearing on the budget as all funding mechanisms proposed are new revenue streams specifically for the stadium.
Proposed funding mechanisms place the majority of the burden on Stadium/Viking supporters. The bill also gives local government the chance to govern for themselves, deciding what is best for their community and helping it to grow in difficult times.
Legislators the time is now! The dome roof is down & is no longer a viable venue for the Vikings or Minnesota. The Vikings lease is up, and the Vikings were promised this issue would be addressed in the 2006 legislative session when they graciously stepped aside for the Twins & Gophers so their situations could be resolved.
The key words here are honor, integrity, duty to those who elected you and the state as a whole. This bill saves & creates jobs, drives additional revenue with $0 general fund dollars and the majority of the burden is not placed on most taxpayers. Just because you may not have been in the 2006 legislature does not absolve you from honoring their promise, you joined freely and are tasked to follow up on all responsibilities of your predecessors as well as new challenges.
As a fan and a constituent I hope you are up to the challenge of doing your sworn duty.
Governor Dayton if the legislature is too busy to handle all their responsibities, I challenge you to call a special session. If they are too busy to handle their responsibilities then surely they are too busy to go home. Time is over for excuses. This issue has been tabled for a decade now, it needs to be addressed once and for all. There will always be new challenges and new excuses.
As someone wisely once said "Lets Get 'er done!!"
Vikings fans visit the following websites, & follow on twitter for more information & stadium updates:
www.vikings.com & @vikingsfootball on Twitter
@mnmomentum @vikesstadium on Twitter
Additionally to contact your legislators and urge them to support this vital legislation PLEASE visit:
www.savethevikes.org/huddle-up/
(click on act now) & @savethevikesorg on Twitter
SKOL VIKES!!!
Granted I am not doing this for personal recognition or ego, I am doing this as a lifelong Vikings fan and to keep the team where they belong in Minny. While I want my effort to be appreciated, even more important to me is that it is effective.
As of today 5/1/11 there are 22 days remaining in the Mn legislative session. The Vikings Stadium bill has been introduced in both chambers but has yet to advance in committee. Legislators claim they are too busy and there are more pressing issues. My response is you have had all session to acomplish these goals and have done nothing but bicker and failed to govern effectively. You are tasked with the responsibility of handling the peoples business and multi-tasking when necessary. Some of the budget issues should have been dealt with before things reached these levels. Additionally a stadium bill and the budget are seperate stand alone issues.
Resolution of a stadium bill does not preclude you from doing your due dilligence on other issues. Funding for this bill has no bearing on the budget as all funding mechanisms proposed are new revenue streams specifically for the stadium.
Proposed funding mechanisms place the majority of the burden on Stadium/Viking supporters. The bill also gives local government the chance to govern for themselves, deciding what is best for their community and helping it to grow in difficult times.
Legislators the time is now! The dome roof is down & is no longer a viable venue for the Vikings or Minnesota. The Vikings lease is up, and the Vikings were promised this issue would be addressed in the 2006 legislative session when they graciously stepped aside for the Twins & Gophers so their situations could be resolved.
The key words here are honor, integrity, duty to those who elected you and the state as a whole. This bill saves & creates jobs, drives additional revenue with $0 general fund dollars and the majority of the burden is not placed on most taxpayers. Just because you may not have been in the 2006 legislature does not absolve you from honoring their promise, you joined freely and are tasked to follow up on all responsibilities of your predecessors as well as new challenges.
As a fan and a constituent I hope you are up to the challenge of doing your sworn duty.
Governor Dayton if the legislature is too busy to handle all their responsibities, I challenge you to call a special session. If they are too busy to handle their responsibilities then surely they are too busy to go home. Time is over for excuses. This issue has been tabled for a decade now, it needs to be addressed once and for all. There will always be new challenges and new excuses.
As someone wisely once said "Lets Get 'er done!!"
Vikings fans visit the following websites, & follow on twitter for more information & stadium updates:
www.vikings.com & @vikingsfootball on Twitter
@mnmomentum @vikesstadium on Twitter
Additionally to contact your legislators and urge them to support this vital legislation PLEASE visit:
www.savethevikes.org/huddle-up/
(click on act now) & @savethevikesorg on Twitter
SKOL VIKES!!!
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Vikings in Minny (Yes or No?)
After a long wait it appears the Vikings stadium bill is about to get a chance in the 2011 legislature. This is a critical year for the Vikings future in Minnesota. Their lease is up at the end of the 2011 season and they will not renew. The dome is without a roof and no definite date has been set for it to be fit for use. The budget debate for this biennium is drawing to a close and the legislature promised resolution of this issue in the 2006 session when the Vikings stepped aside for the Twins & Gophers stadiums. Recent polls suggest widespread support of the bill about to be introduced with 64% supporting it in a Star Tribune Poll & 70% in the Pioneer Press Poll. Additional support is also out there if it includes a higher Vikings contribution.
The bottom line for this issue however isn't about the money itself because no matter the issue a certain segment of the population will always oppose it. The issue is do we want the Vikings to remain in Minnesota and are they a benefit to us? The answer to both of these questions is or should be yes.
The Vikings have been in Minnesota since 1961 with many highs and lows, including the last NFL championship in 1969 before the merger in 1970, although it was in the Super Bowl era. The Vikings have been to 4 Super Bowls in 50 years and several NFC Championship games on top of that. They have provided us many memories and established a rich tradition here in Minnesota.
The success of the Vikings has drawn the eyes of the nation to our community, bringing us regional and national recognition. They have helped increase our competitiveness, bringing new businesses and citizens to our community while helping to retain others due to our regional and national exposure. They have become part of our identity and add to our quality of life as one of many diverse activities for people to enjoy. They drive huge revenue streams and are responsible for hundreds of millions of dollars in taxes recouped by the state of Minnesota. The state of Minnesota has never paid a penny to support the Vikings in Minnesota or to retain them as a state asset. Many people in this community have jobs because of the Vikings directly and indirectly.
The Vikings make donations of time and memorabilia to support those less fortunate as well as cash contributions to support children and families going through difficult times and issues. They value their place in our community and are always looking for ways to contribute and to be an asset. They could easily do better in a larger market but are proud of who they are and what they have established here in Minnesota. They are looking to be part of a larger solution building our community and economy.
The Vikings in 50 years have never had a permanent home that they could call their own or that was worthy of an NFL franchise that has provided us with so much. Met Stadium was a minor league baseball park at best, one of low quality that they had to share with the Twins & Kicks. While the Metrodome is a poorly planned practice facility that provides a poor fan experience and is one of the most despised facilities nationwide in all of sports history, with poor amenities for fan and athletes alike. All of the other pro and college teams in Minnesota sports history (not counting those in leagues that folded) have at one time or another been given a permanent home that they could call their own, the only exception to that is the Vikings.
A rough estimate for a new stadium would cost around $30 mil per year for 30 yrs. The Vikings have already pledged to pay 1/3 the total cost of a stadium the people of Minnesota would own. The remaining total would be paid by fans and businesses benefiting from a new venue through user fees/taxes directly tied to the new venue and its host community, through a racino or possibly a hotel/rental car tax that would mainly be paid by those visiting Minnesota. In other words all options being considered are low impact with regards to the majority of the public in Minnesota & $0 general fund dollars used. No state programs would be affected as all budget issues would have been addressed prior to introduction of this legislation.
The Vikings are currently responsible for $20 mil per year going into the general fund which is expected to rise to around $25-30 mil in a new venue. This is on top of rent and/or maintenance payments the Vikings would pay, as agreed to in any final legislation. These numbers do not reflect all the jobs and businesses benefiting from the Vikings and the taxes they pay or all the money pumped into the economy.
This isn't charity or welfare, this is supporting a business beneficial to Minnesota and keeping what we have worked so hard to build, not having to pay more later after realizing our mistake and starting over. We have made that mistake twice before with the Lakers and North Stars allowing two other communities to cash in on the fruits of our labor.
The Time Is Now!
To show your support, get constant updates on the stadium situation & to CONTACT YOUR LEGISLATOR, PLEASE visit:
www.savethevikes.org/huddle-up/
www.vikings.com
You can also show your support on twitter by following:
@savethevikesorg
@mnmomentum
@vikingsfootball
SKOL VIKES!!
The bottom line for this issue however isn't about the money itself because no matter the issue a certain segment of the population will always oppose it. The issue is do we want the Vikings to remain in Minnesota and are they a benefit to us? The answer to both of these questions is or should be yes.
The Vikings have been in Minnesota since 1961 with many highs and lows, including the last NFL championship in 1969 before the merger in 1970, although it was in the Super Bowl era. The Vikings have been to 4 Super Bowls in 50 years and several NFC Championship games on top of that. They have provided us many memories and established a rich tradition here in Minnesota.
The success of the Vikings has drawn the eyes of the nation to our community, bringing us regional and national recognition. They have helped increase our competitiveness, bringing new businesses and citizens to our community while helping to retain others due to our regional and national exposure. They have become part of our identity and add to our quality of life as one of many diverse activities for people to enjoy. They drive huge revenue streams and are responsible for hundreds of millions of dollars in taxes recouped by the state of Minnesota. The state of Minnesota has never paid a penny to support the Vikings in Minnesota or to retain them as a state asset. Many people in this community have jobs because of the Vikings directly and indirectly.
The Vikings make donations of time and memorabilia to support those less fortunate as well as cash contributions to support children and families going through difficult times and issues. They value their place in our community and are always looking for ways to contribute and to be an asset. They could easily do better in a larger market but are proud of who they are and what they have established here in Minnesota. They are looking to be part of a larger solution building our community and economy.
The Vikings in 50 years have never had a permanent home that they could call their own or that was worthy of an NFL franchise that has provided us with so much. Met Stadium was a minor league baseball park at best, one of low quality that they had to share with the Twins & Kicks. While the Metrodome is a poorly planned practice facility that provides a poor fan experience and is one of the most despised facilities nationwide in all of sports history, with poor amenities for fan and athletes alike. All of the other pro and college teams in Minnesota sports history (not counting those in leagues that folded) have at one time or another been given a permanent home that they could call their own, the only exception to that is the Vikings.
A rough estimate for a new stadium would cost around $30 mil per year for 30 yrs. The Vikings have already pledged to pay 1/3 the total cost of a stadium the people of Minnesota would own. The remaining total would be paid by fans and businesses benefiting from a new venue through user fees/taxes directly tied to the new venue and its host community, through a racino or possibly a hotel/rental car tax that would mainly be paid by those visiting Minnesota. In other words all options being considered are low impact with regards to the majority of the public in Minnesota & $0 general fund dollars used. No state programs would be affected as all budget issues would have been addressed prior to introduction of this legislation.
The Vikings are currently responsible for $20 mil per year going into the general fund which is expected to rise to around $25-30 mil in a new venue. This is on top of rent and/or maintenance payments the Vikings would pay, as agreed to in any final legislation. These numbers do not reflect all the jobs and businesses benefiting from the Vikings and the taxes they pay or all the money pumped into the economy.
This isn't charity or welfare, this is supporting a business beneficial to Minnesota and keeping what we have worked so hard to build, not having to pay more later after realizing our mistake and starting over. We have made that mistake twice before with the Lakers and North Stars allowing two other communities to cash in on the fruits of our labor.
The Time Is Now!
To show your support, get constant updates on the stadium situation & to CONTACT YOUR LEGISLATOR, PLEASE visit:
www.savethevikes.org/huddle-up/
www.vikings.com
You can also show your support on twitter by following:
@savethevikesorg
@mnmomentum
@vikingsfootball
SKOL VIKES!!
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Mn Vikings Stadium Bill
Speculation has been running rampant for several months now amongst local media types about the "imminent" submission of a Vikings Stadium bill. In the last 2 weeks this has only intensified with all local TV stations predicting it would be introduced on Wednesday 3/30/11 which did not occur as predicted, and in fact there is zero percent chance it will be unveiled at all until next week at the earliest pending resolution of other more serious budget issues for this biennium.
In addition to the introduction of a long anticipated and long overdue Vikings Stadium bill, speculation of what it may or may not contain is even more rampant. Many have been leaking "details" of what they say is in the bill, some probably getting information from legitimate sources but not timely information as the bill appears to be changing on the fly to build support. The bills authors (Rep. Morrie Lanning - Moorhead & Sen Julie Rosen - Fairmont ) appear to be consensus building prior to introduction of the bill as well as allowing for time to address more pressing matters. However there are certain parties that are leaking information that putting it simply is not based on fact but to further their own agenda. Rep. Lanning reportedly said only the authors and select others know the true details of the bill and none of them leaked the information that has been reported. Rep. Lanning did state that there would be strong bi-partisan support of the bill as introduced. Chairman Ted Mondale of the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission has also predicted passage of a bill this session.
Here are the FACTS of the Vikings Stadium situation:
- Vikings lease at the Metrodome expires upon the conclusion of 2011 season.
- Metrodome roof collapsed under the weight of December snowstorm causing relocation of 2 games in addition to numerous other events relocated or cancelled, and substantial revenue loss to the Vikings. No firm date set alllowing Vikings to play final season in Dome.
- Vikings have proposed an open air stadium, to bring back home field advantage and true Vikings fotball, that would cost in the neighborhood of $700 million give or take.
- Governor Dayton supports a "Peoples Stadium" that allows for additional events and would be beneficial to Minnesota, this would bring total cost to around $900 mil - $1.2 bil depending on fixed or retractable roof.
- Vikings have previously pledged to contribute around 1/3 the cost of open air stadium that would be owned by the state.
- Vikings have agreed to sign iron clad 30 yr lease for new venue that meets their long term needs.
- Vikings have NOT advocated statewide tax or general fund dollars to pay for stadium.
- Vikings want a CHANCE to sit down and negotiate a deal that is fair to Minnesota and keeps the team where it belongs.
- Metrodome can not survive without the Vikings who currently pay $6-7 million annually in operating expenses.
- Vikings currently are responsible for over $20 million annually in taxes paid into the general fund which can not be replaced if they leave as well as revenue from & jobs from other businesses dependent on Vikings. New venue would boost taxes paid annually to $25-30 million (which by the way is sufficient to pay for an open air stadium).
- Vikings would more than likely, depending on negotiations with legislature, pay rent and/or maintenance payments annually for stadium we own.
Although not confirmed it appears that any potential bill will be site neutral allowing for negotiations with local officials to continue and to finalize all details. There are currently 3 primary sites with a couple additional sites being considered for a new stadium. Many believe the Metrodome site is the favorite because of existing infrastructure and the land being owned already which would reduce the costs and potential hurdles of acquisition. There is another Minneapolis site near Target Field which would create a sports district but would require city/county assistance to complete an acquisition deal. Then there is the Arden Hills site at the former Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant which could be easily acquired and would be difficult to find another use for but would require cleanup and infrastructure improvements.
Per Fox9's Jeff Goldberg Ramsey County Commissioner Tony Bennett stated " We are ready to come forward as a local partner. We can fullfill the role we need to play." This is in reference to the potential Vikings Stadium site in Arden Hills at the former TCAAP.
It has been reported that Minneapolis & Hennepin County officials potentially have surplus funds available from Twins Stadium tax and Convention Center tax which could be applied to Vikings Stadium solution if approved by the legislature.
Best bets for funding options are user and related fees such as a tax on pro sports memorabilia, ticket tax, parking tax, stadium sales tax, Vikings license plates, Vikings scratch offs (which by the way generated over $12 million for Minnesota in short run, the highest ever), etc...
Another option is partial funding from a Racino which is also pending before the legislature. None of these options would be payable by the public at large, unless they CHOSE to participate, and those CHOOSING to would be doing it to support the stadium. One other option being considered is a tax on hotels and rental cars that would be paid primarily by those visiting Minnesota from other locations, not by Minnesotans in most cases.
All of the above options are a snapshot of what is being proposed and does not limit the legislature from pursuing other options that THEY deem viable. The Vikings are not trying to take money from education or any other vital state services They recognize the importance of all these issues and are waiting for the legislature to address these issues first as they deem necessary.
The Vikings are an important part of the fabric of this state and our quality of life. They help attract new citizens and businesses that view Minnesota as a major player both regionally and nationally. A state with diverse people and activities that are beneficial to all. The more we keep allowing our businesses to leave for other locations that see their benefits and capitalize on them, the fewer options that there are for the people that live here for things to do, for employment and for our quality of life which will continue to deteriorate. This makes us less attractive on a national scale and less competitive. This is more important than a few dollars here or there, it is a big picture issue, that if we ignore now we are sure to regret later and by then the cost will have gone up exponentially, not to mention additional losses or unrealized potential gains.
If you are a Vikings fan, recognize their impact on our quality of life, want to keep jobs and revenue in Minnesota or want to help create new jobs and additional revenue, then PLEASE visit the sites below:
Minnesota Vikings Football: www.vikings.com
SaveTheVikes.org: www.savethevikes.org
Minnesota Momentum: www.minnesotamomentum.com
You can also contact and follow on twitter, in the order listed above, for up to date information and/or to contact your legislators to encourage their support of a viable Vikings Stadium Solution:
@vikingsfootball
@savethevikesorg
@mnmomentum
PLEASE contact your legislators right away as there is only 54 days left in the session as of 3/31/11. Help can be found obtaining your legislators contact info as well as a draft letter for your convenience to get you started at:
www.savethevikes.org/huddle-up/
SKOL VIKES!!
In addition to the introduction of a long anticipated and long overdue Vikings Stadium bill, speculation of what it may or may not contain is even more rampant. Many have been leaking "details" of what they say is in the bill, some probably getting information from legitimate sources but not timely information as the bill appears to be changing on the fly to build support. The bills authors (Rep. Morrie Lanning - Moorhead & Sen Julie Rosen - Fairmont ) appear to be consensus building prior to introduction of the bill as well as allowing for time to address more pressing matters. However there are certain parties that are leaking information that putting it simply is not based on fact but to further their own agenda. Rep. Lanning reportedly said only the authors and select others know the true details of the bill and none of them leaked the information that has been reported. Rep. Lanning did state that there would be strong bi-partisan support of the bill as introduced. Chairman Ted Mondale of the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission has also predicted passage of a bill this session.
Here are the FACTS of the Vikings Stadium situation:
- Vikings lease at the Metrodome expires upon the conclusion of 2011 season.
- Metrodome roof collapsed under the weight of December snowstorm causing relocation of 2 games in addition to numerous other events relocated or cancelled, and substantial revenue loss to the Vikings. No firm date set alllowing Vikings to play final season in Dome.
- Vikings have proposed an open air stadium, to bring back home field advantage and true Vikings fotball, that would cost in the neighborhood of $700 million give or take.
- Governor Dayton supports a "Peoples Stadium" that allows for additional events and would be beneficial to Minnesota, this would bring total cost to around $900 mil - $1.2 bil depending on fixed or retractable roof.
- Vikings have previously pledged to contribute around 1/3 the cost of open air stadium that would be owned by the state.
- Vikings have agreed to sign iron clad 30 yr lease for new venue that meets their long term needs.
- Vikings have NOT advocated statewide tax or general fund dollars to pay for stadium.
- Vikings want a CHANCE to sit down and negotiate a deal that is fair to Minnesota and keeps the team where it belongs.
- Metrodome can not survive without the Vikings who currently pay $6-7 million annually in operating expenses.
- Vikings currently are responsible for over $20 million annually in taxes paid into the general fund which can not be replaced if they leave as well as revenue from & jobs from other businesses dependent on Vikings. New venue would boost taxes paid annually to $25-30 million (which by the way is sufficient to pay for an open air stadium).
- Vikings would more than likely, depending on negotiations with legislature, pay rent and/or maintenance payments annually for stadium we own.
Although not confirmed it appears that any potential bill will be site neutral allowing for negotiations with local officials to continue and to finalize all details. There are currently 3 primary sites with a couple additional sites being considered for a new stadium. Many believe the Metrodome site is the favorite because of existing infrastructure and the land being owned already which would reduce the costs and potential hurdles of acquisition. There is another Minneapolis site near Target Field which would create a sports district but would require city/county assistance to complete an acquisition deal. Then there is the Arden Hills site at the former Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant which could be easily acquired and would be difficult to find another use for but would require cleanup and infrastructure improvements.
Per Fox9's Jeff Goldberg Ramsey County Commissioner Tony Bennett stated " We are ready to come forward as a local partner. We can fullfill the role we need to play." This is in reference to the potential Vikings Stadium site in Arden Hills at the former TCAAP.
It has been reported that Minneapolis & Hennepin County officials potentially have surplus funds available from Twins Stadium tax and Convention Center tax which could be applied to Vikings Stadium solution if approved by the legislature.
Best bets for funding options are user and related fees such as a tax on pro sports memorabilia, ticket tax, parking tax, stadium sales tax, Vikings license plates, Vikings scratch offs (which by the way generated over $12 million for Minnesota in short run, the highest ever), etc...
Another option is partial funding from a Racino which is also pending before the legislature. None of these options would be payable by the public at large, unless they CHOSE to participate, and those CHOOSING to would be doing it to support the stadium. One other option being considered is a tax on hotels and rental cars that would be paid primarily by those visiting Minnesota from other locations, not by Minnesotans in most cases.
All of the above options are a snapshot of what is being proposed and does not limit the legislature from pursuing other options that THEY deem viable. The Vikings are not trying to take money from education or any other vital state services They recognize the importance of all these issues and are waiting for the legislature to address these issues first as they deem necessary.
The Vikings are an important part of the fabric of this state and our quality of life. They help attract new citizens and businesses that view Minnesota as a major player both regionally and nationally. A state with diverse people and activities that are beneficial to all. The more we keep allowing our businesses to leave for other locations that see their benefits and capitalize on them, the fewer options that there are for the people that live here for things to do, for employment and for our quality of life which will continue to deteriorate. This makes us less attractive on a national scale and less competitive. This is more important than a few dollars here or there, it is a big picture issue, that if we ignore now we are sure to regret later and by then the cost will have gone up exponentially, not to mention additional losses or unrealized potential gains.
If you are a Vikings fan, recognize their impact on our quality of life, want to keep jobs and revenue in Minnesota or want to help create new jobs and additional revenue, then PLEASE visit the sites below:
Minnesota Vikings Football: www.vikings.com
SaveTheVikes.org: www.savethevikes.org
Minnesota Momentum: www.minnesotamomentum.com
You can also contact and follow on twitter, in the order listed above, for up to date information and/or to contact your legislators to encourage their support of a viable Vikings Stadium Solution:
@vikingsfootball
@savethevikesorg
@mnmomentum
PLEASE contact your legislators right away as there is only 54 days left in the session as of 3/31/11. Help can be found obtaining your legislators contact info as well as a draft letter for your convenience to get you started at:
www.savethevikes.org/huddle-up/
SKOL VIKES!!
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Mn Vikings Stadium - Opposition Points
As with any issue there are always two sides, the Vikings stadium debate is no different in the state of Minnesota. In addition to the two sides however, there are many people that are undecided and are awaiting an actual proposal before making a decision. My question is why are certain people protesting what they have not seen and/or know nothing about? Are you protesting because you are spiteful Packers/Bears fans? Maybe just because you hate football? Or are you protesting just to argue and to ruin something that other people enjoy? In this post are SOME of the facts of the stadium situation, anything beyond this is purely speculation since no bill for a Vikings Stadium has been presented to date and many details have yet to be worked out or finalized. This tells me people are objecting for one of the above reasons unless they can come up with an educated and detailed response that would indicate otherwise, which is unlikely. I have no problem with an opposing viewpoint as long as it is based on fact.
On the 16th of March myself and 52 other individuals were chosen by the Vikings to act as "Grassroots QB's" where we received up to date information on the stadium situation and the goals of the Vikings. To say the least it was very informative. Some of the information I already knew, and some was new to me. One thing was clear and that was nobody wants the Vikings to remain in Minnesota more than they do. Is that based on greed? The plain answer is no, if they were to move to LA it would be even more beneficial to them than a stadium solution in Minnesota. The LA area alone has a higher population than Minny and there is more money in the area than exists here. In addition the stadium situation there is solved, they are just looking for a team to play in it before they begin construction. The Vikings however recognize their position in the Minnesota community and are proud to be a part of it, in fact they are looking to be part of an overall solution to the problems we face today.
Nobody in the Vikings organization is advocating a statewide tax as some opponents claim with their scare tactics. All they want is the same opportunity that every other sports team in Minnesota has been given, and that is a chance to sit down, talk and work out a solution that is beneficial to all parties involved. This is no different than any other business in the state that is looking to stay here and remain competitive. The Vikings are in fact looking at numerous funding mechanisms and want to find one that has the lowest impact on the general public and is acceptable to legislators. Some of the top proposals are racino, Vikings lottery scratch off, Vikings license plates, or user fees which would only be paid by those supporting or benefiting from the Vikings and a new stadium. There is the possibility of a tax within the new venue or hospitality tax in a stadium district. All of these are only options and subject to legislative approval, but nothing has been presented or decided. Bottom line is nothing is being considered that would take money from the general fund or any other state program. A stadium solution is an issue on its own looking outside existing revenue streams.
Based on the above proposals any potential funding mechanism would only affect those choosing to support the Vikings, a new stadium, participate in the state lottery or other new gambling options, purchase sports memorabilia or go into the stadium district to watch a game or just hang out. Nobody in outstate Minnesota would be paying unless they came to the metro or otherwise participated as above, no families would be negatively impacted without making a conscious decision to participate, and no state programs would be eliminated or have funding reduced. More than likely all funding issues for other programs will be decided before a stadium bill is decided.
Therefore any new fee, tax, or lottery proceeds are only paid by those choosing to participate with full knowledge of amount, purpose and risk. If you choose to oppose this issue don't participate, that is your decision. My decision is to participate and I don't want other people with seperate agendas that will not be affected to interfere in that choice.
There are many reasons for supporting a Vikings stadium solution, and vary from person to person. Personally I have been a Vikings fan since 1972 watching Sir Francis Tarkenton and the Purple People Eaters become one of the dominant teams of that decade. There have been many ups and downs as a Viking fan. Bottom line is I don't want another community capitalizing on the money we have already invested in the Vikings, the time, the effort, the name and tradition that we built. This has already happened to us twice with the Lakers and the North Stars, both were preventable and we ended up spending rediculously more later than we would have had we stepped up at the right time.
Another argument I constantly here is it has to benefit Minnesota. Ok, agreed. So how do the Vikings benefit Minnesota, well:
- First the Metrodome was paid with $55 million bonding bill, $0 from state of Minnesota. Paid off in roughly 1/2 the time. Has generated $340 million in taxes for the state of Minnesota of which $186 million was paid by the Vikings.
- Additional unknown taxes generated from visiting teams since 1982, currently around $1 million per year.
- Vikings are currently responsible for $20 million in taxes going into the general fund and $0 coming out annually. This number is expected to jump to $25-30 million annually in a new venue.
- Tax revenues from construction of new stadium estimated at $26 million per year. Over $300 million of construction costs to wages supporting 13000 workers.
-Without the Vikings the Metrodome is not sustainable and the other 300 annual events would be without a home costing the state of Minnesota even more revenue, in addition to those events already choosing new venues like Lucas Field in Indianapolis, In.
- Vikings scratch off lottery was the most succesful in state history generating $12 million in its short run, and could be a vital part of any funding mechanism.
- Free national advertising during NFL games as peoples eyes all over the country are on us during the games which promotes the advantages of Minnesota and increases tourism with no cost to the state and results in additonal revenue.
- Vikings work in the community, ie.. Vikings Childrens Fund, individual players charitable organizations and causes, Vikings charitable giveaways and apperances.
- In most cases, positive role models for children. Something to dream of, and strive for as they grow up.
In addition to all of the above which is just a sampling, the Vikings are simply put a state asset and contribute to our quality of life. They are part of our identity and are by far the most popular sports team in town. The Vikings like all the other teams, the Walker Art Center, The Orpheum, The Ordway, The Science Museum, Valleyfair, Canterbury Park, Mall of America, etc.....,helps define who we are to other people. They make us more attractive to new citizens and new businesses as something to do and support, which again drives new revenue. A lack of options has a negative impact and stifles growth. We need new jobs and a new Vikings stadium does just that during construction, within a new venue and from stimulated growth in the area.
This is not corporate welfare, which by the way is a pathetic and short sighted argument, it is an investment in Minnesota which as shown above yields a substantial return above any investment made. It promotes growth, maintains a state asset, and makes Minnesota once again competitive with other communities for regional and national events. A Super Bowl awarded for example, as in Miami in 2009 can generate $300 million or more of economic activity in 1 week. Many people from other states and Canada travel to Minnesota specifically to see the Vikings, again this would all be lost, or at least would be LA's gain.
If you are interested in more information, to stay up to date on latest developments, to show your support and hopefully to contact your legislators to encourage their support of stadium legislation that is beneficial to Minny, then PLEASE VISIT:
Save The Vikes.Org : http://www.savethevikes.org
Minnesota Momentum : http://www.minnesotamomentum.com
Minnesota Vikings : http://www.vikings.com
All of the above can also be followed and contacted on Twitter (in the order shown above):
@savethevikesorg
@mnmomentum
@vikingsfootball
PLEASE sign up now to show your support and keep the Vikings where they belong, here in Minny!!
SKOL VIKES!!
On the 16th of March myself and 52 other individuals were chosen by the Vikings to act as "Grassroots QB's" where we received up to date information on the stadium situation and the goals of the Vikings. To say the least it was very informative. Some of the information I already knew, and some was new to me. One thing was clear and that was nobody wants the Vikings to remain in Minnesota more than they do. Is that based on greed? The plain answer is no, if they were to move to LA it would be even more beneficial to them than a stadium solution in Minnesota. The LA area alone has a higher population than Minny and there is more money in the area than exists here. In addition the stadium situation there is solved, they are just looking for a team to play in it before they begin construction. The Vikings however recognize their position in the Minnesota community and are proud to be a part of it, in fact they are looking to be part of an overall solution to the problems we face today.
Nobody in the Vikings organization is advocating a statewide tax as some opponents claim with their scare tactics. All they want is the same opportunity that every other sports team in Minnesota has been given, and that is a chance to sit down, talk and work out a solution that is beneficial to all parties involved. This is no different than any other business in the state that is looking to stay here and remain competitive. The Vikings are in fact looking at numerous funding mechanisms and want to find one that has the lowest impact on the general public and is acceptable to legislators. Some of the top proposals are racino, Vikings lottery scratch off, Vikings license plates, or user fees which would only be paid by those supporting or benefiting from the Vikings and a new stadium. There is the possibility of a tax within the new venue or hospitality tax in a stadium district. All of these are only options and subject to legislative approval, but nothing has been presented or decided. Bottom line is nothing is being considered that would take money from the general fund or any other state program. A stadium solution is an issue on its own looking outside existing revenue streams.
Based on the above proposals any potential funding mechanism would only affect those choosing to support the Vikings, a new stadium, participate in the state lottery or other new gambling options, purchase sports memorabilia or go into the stadium district to watch a game or just hang out. Nobody in outstate Minnesota would be paying unless they came to the metro or otherwise participated as above, no families would be negatively impacted without making a conscious decision to participate, and no state programs would be eliminated or have funding reduced. More than likely all funding issues for other programs will be decided before a stadium bill is decided.
Therefore any new fee, tax, or lottery proceeds are only paid by those choosing to participate with full knowledge of amount, purpose and risk. If you choose to oppose this issue don't participate, that is your decision. My decision is to participate and I don't want other people with seperate agendas that will not be affected to interfere in that choice.
There are many reasons for supporting a Vikings stadium solution, and vary from person to person. Personally I have been a Vikings fan since 1972 watching Sir Francis Tarkenton and the Purple People Eaters become one of the dominant teams of that decade. There have been many ups and downs as a Viking fan. Bottom line is I don't want another community capitalizing on the money we have already invested in the Vikings, the time, the effort, the name and tradition that we built. This has already happened to us twice with the Lakers and the North Stars, both were preventable and we ended up spending rediculously more later than we would have had we stepped up at the right time.
Another argument I constantly here is it has to benefit Minnesota. Ok, agreed. So how do the Vikings benefit Minnesota, well:
- First the Metrodome was paid with $55 million bonding bill, $0 from state of Minnesota. Paid off in roughly 1/2 the time. Has generated $340 million in taxes for the state of Minnesota of which $186 million was paid by the Vikings.
- Additional unknown taxes generated from visiting teams since 1982, currently around $1 million per year.
- Vikings are currently responsible for $20 million in taxes going into the general fund and $0 coming out annually. This number is expected to jump to $25-30 million annually in a new venue.
- Tax revenues from construction of new stadium estimated at $26 million per year. Over $300 million of construction costs to wages supporting 13000 workers.
-Without the Vikings the Metrodome is not sustainable and the other 300 annual events would be without a home costing the state of Minnesota even more revenue, in addition to those events already choosing new venues like Lucas Field in Indianapolis, In.
- Vikings scratch off lottery was the most succesful in state history generating $12 million in its short run, and could be a vital part of any funding mechanism.
- Free national advertising during NFL games as peoples eyes all over the country are on us during the games which promotes the advantages of Minnesota and increases tourism with no cost to the state and results in additonal revenue.
- Vikings work in the community, ie.. Vikings Childrens Fund, individual players charitable organizations and causes, Vikings charitable giveaways and apperances.
- In most cases, positive role models for children. Something to dream of, and strive for as they grow up.
In addition to all of the above which is just a sampling, the Vikings are simply put a state asset and contribute to our quality of life. They are part of our identity and are by far the most popular sports team in town. The Vikings like all the other teams, the Walker Art Center, The Orpheum, The Ordway, The Science Museum, Valleyfair, Canterbury Park, Mall of America, etc.....,helps define who we are to other people. They make us more attractive to new citizens and new businesses as something to do and support, which again drives new revenue. A lack of options has a negative impact and stifles growth. We need new jobs and a new Vikings stadium does just that during construction, within a new venue and from stimulated growth in the area.
This is not corporate welfare, which by the way is a pathetic and short sighted argument, it is an investment in Minnesota which as shown above yields a substantial return above any investment made. It promotes growth, maintains a state asset, and makes Minnesota once again competitive with other communities for regional and national events. A Super Bowl awarded for example, as in Miami in 2009 can generate $300 million or more of economic activity in 1 week. Many people from other states and Canada travel to Minnesota specifically to see the Vikings, again this would all be lost, or at least would be LA's gain.
If you are interested in more information, to stay up to date on latest developments, to show your support and hopefully to contact your legislators to encourage their support of stadium legislation that is beneficial to Minny, then PLEASE VISIT:
Save The Vikes.Org : http://www.savethevikes.org
Minnesota Momentum : http://www.minnesotamomentum.com
Minnesota Vikings : http://www.vikings.com
All of the above can also be followed and contacted on Twitter (in the order shown above):
@savethevikesorg
@mnmomentum
@vikingsfootball
PLEASE sign up now to show your support and keep the Vikings where they belong, here in Minny!!
SKOL VIKES!!
Saturday, March 19, 2011
2011 NFL Draft - MN Vikings Franchise QB
The last 2 years have been a whirlwind as a Viking fan, going from dominating the NFC Championship game yet losing due to undisciplined play/coaching, to being a laughing stock with the same core group a year later. The never ending Williams wall Star Cap saga, to Favre-Gate 2010, to the clueless trade of a 3rd round draft pick for Randy Moss only to release him mere weeks later for no apparent reason other than a Tinuccis meltdown. Then the downward slide of former coach Childress and his eventual mid season departure.
Stability appeared to finally arrive after the interim Head Coach tag was removed from Leslie Frazier and he was made the permanent coach prior to the end of the 2010 season. Then the CBA situation deteriorated and we are now in a holding pattern. Despite the CBA remaining unresolved the NFL draft will go on as planned in April. There are many interpretations and mock drafts trying to anticipate what needs the Vikings might target.
One thing almost everyone agrees on is the Vikings need for a franchise QB. Brett Favre will not be back even if he unretires as Leslie Frazier has said we will not be going down that road. Tarvaris Jackson who is a free agent was not tendered and is not expected back (thankfully). Joe Webb who appears to be very athletic and better suited to being an NFL QB at some point than Jackson is still raw, needing a lot of coaching/mentoring. Late season addition Patrick Ramsey is not expected back and the other late addition Rhett Bomar plucked off the NY Giants practice squad & signed to a 2 yr deal is an unknown & unproven commodity.
That brings us to options available through free agency, trades and the draft. First because his name keeps popping up Vince Young formerly of the Titans, no, oh please god no!! He is at best an overpaid slightly more polished Tarvaris Jackson. Other names reportedly available are Kyle Boller (ick), Carson Palmer, Marc Bulger, & Matt Hasslebeck. A couple of these might be serviceable options to manage the team for a couple years and mentor a young franchise QB so that he can learn and grow. As long as we get away from the Denny Green/Brad Childress era mentality of raiding AARP service lines for a QB every year to prop us up and lead us.
Ok so if we do or don't go for a mentor QB there is still one inevitability, if we want to change the Vikings culture and fortunes we need to draft a franchise QB in 2011 and there are many options this year. The question is which option suits the Vikings style, which is still somewhat unknown except to the Vikings. Although Coach Musgrave came from the Atlanta system so that might be looked at as a potential model or a hybrid version of that system.
Most of the names being tossed around for the Vikings who draft at #12 in the 1st round are:
- Blaine Gabbert (Mizzou) Expected to go first overall if not shortly thereafter but gone before the Vikings pick. Vikings Note: Had Gabbert in town for dinner Thursday 3/17/11. Were at pro day, no private workout.
-Cam Newton (Auburn) Very athletic. Accurate but arm strength a question.Big ego. NCAA issues. May have problems reading NFL defenses. Stock dropped a little at combine. Vikings Note: Like athleticism.
-Ryan Mallet (Arkansas) Strong Arm, accurate. Has off field issues. Arrogant and cavalier. Intelligent. Stock dropped because of attitude not talent. Vikings Note: Seems like an xcellent fit.
- Jake Locker (Washington) Strong Arm but accuracy concerns. Tends to be erratic. Vikings Note: Private workout.
These are the top QB's on the board. Gabbert is likely to be gone and one mock draft or another has the Vikings taking any one of the remaining three. The other available options are more likely go in rounds two or later such as Colin Kaepernick (Nevada) who is athletic with a strong arm but many feel will have more of an adjustment to make than the top 4. This is my pick for the Vikings early in the 2nd round after dropping in the 1st round to pick up an additional 3rd round pick. First rounder would then be used on OL more than likely Mike Pouncey (Florida) (C/G) or Tryon Smith (USC) (OT). If no QB selected by this time there is still Christian Ponder (Florida), Andy Dalton (TCU) (had a private workout)or Pat Devlin (Delaware)(home of Rich Gannon). These other QB's are projects more likely to need more developmental time.
The Vikings are on the clock........
Stability appeared to finally arrive after the interim Head Coach tag was removed from Leslie Frazier and he was made the permanent coach prior to the end of the 2010 season. Then the CBA situation deteriorated and we are now in a holding pattern. Despite the CBA remaining unresolved the NFL draft will go on as planned in April. There are many interpretations and mock drafts trying to anticipate what needs the Vikings might target.
One thing almost everyone agrees on is the Vikings need for a franchise QB. Brett Favre will not be back even if he unretires as Leslie Frazier has said we will not be going down that road. Tarvaris Jackson who is a free agent was not tendered and is not expected back (thankfully). Joe Webb who appears to be very athletic and better suited to being an NFL QB at some point than Jackson is still raw, needing a lot of coaching/mentoring. Late season addition Patrick Ramsey is not expected back and the other late addition Rhett Bomar plucked off the NY Giants practice squad & signed to a 2 yr deal is an unknown & unproven commodity.
That brings us to options available through free agency, trades and the draft. First because his name keeps popping up Vince Young formerly of the Titans, no, oh please god no!! He is at best an overpaid slightly more polished Tarvaris Jackson. Other names reportedly available are Kyle Boller (ick), Carson Palmer, Marc Bulger, & Matt Hasslebeck. A couple of these might be serviceable options to manage the team for a couple years and mentor a young franchise QB so that he can learn and grow. As long as we get away from the Denny Green/Brad Childress era mentality of raiding AARP service lines for a QB every year to prop us up and lead us.
Ok so if we do or don't go for a mentor QB there is still one inevitability, if we want to change the Vikings culture and fortunes we need to draft a franchise QB in 2011 and there are many options this year. The question is which option suits the Vikings style, which is still somewhat unknown except to the Vikings. Although Coach Musgrave came from the Atlanta system so that might be looked at as a potential model or a hybrid version of that system.
Most of the names being tossed around for the Vikings who draft at #12 in the 1st round are:
- Blaine Gabbert (Mizzou) Expected to go first overall if not shortly thereafter but gone before the Vikings pick. Vikings Note: Had Gabbert in town for dinner Thursday 3/17/11. Were at pro day, no private workout.
-Cam Newton (Auburn) Very athletic. Accurate but arm strength a question.Big ego. NCAA issues. May have problems reading NFL defenses. Stock dropped a little at combine. Vikings Note: Like athleticism.
-Ryan Mallet (Arkansas) Strong Arm, accurate. Has off field issues. Arrogant and cavalier. Intelligent. Stock dropped because of attitude not talent. Vikings Note: Seems like an xcellent fit.
- Jake Locker (Washington) Strong Arm but accuracy concerns. Tends to be erratic. Vikings Note: Private workout.
These are the top QB's on the board. Gabbert is likely to be gone and one mock draft or another has the Vikings taking any one of the remaining three. The other available options are more likely go in rounds two or later such as Colin Kaepernick (Nevada) who is athletic with a strong arm but many feel will have more of an adjustment to make than the top 4. This is my pick for the Vikings early in the 2nd round after dropping in the 1st round to pick up an additional 3rd round pick. First rounder would then be used on OL more than likely Mike Pouncey (Florida) (C/G) or Tryon Smith (USC) (OT). If no QB selected by this time there is still Christian Ponder (Florida), Andy Dalton (TCU) (had a private workout)or Pat Devlin (Delaware)(home of Rich Gannon). These other QB's are projects more likely to need more developmental time.
The Vikings are on the clock........
Friday, March 18, 2011
Business Community Support of New MN Stadium
With a stadium bill apparently imminent at the legislature as the 2011 session winds down, one thing puzzles me and that is the absence of business community support for the Vikings. Espescially those businesses that benefit directly like restaurants and bars. The hospitality industry as a whole gets a huge boost during the football season and absent a local NFL team would stand to lose a substantial amount of business and jobs. People can argue that the money will still be spent but that is an assumption and even if true there would be no guarantee it would be spent in Minnesota. People spend there discretionary money on things they enjoy and having fun, not going out just for the sake of going out (generally). With a team there is a sense of community pride, people bond, they interact and enjoy each other. There is a sense of oneness & a shared sense of purpose.
Will people go out on Sundays on a cold Minnesota November afternoon with nothing to look foward to, nothing to talk about or will Sundays become empty eventless days to stay home and do nothing? Of course there is always the possibility of catering your business to Packer fans? The Vikings have provided many good memories for our community and many of these establishments have a theme that revolves around the Vikings. Why? Because you know it appeals to people, it will draw them in to watch a game, to talk with like minded people and spend money. The Vikings are our team, they are part of our community and our identity. They belong here and we need to find a solution to ensure that they stay here, a solution that works for all of us. People and businesses need to rally, have events drawing support, to get the word out and educate people. We need business to stand up and show their support, letting their legislators know how important the Vikings are to local business with regards to both revenue and jobs. Get their customers to follow suit.
We need to have Save The Vikings Rallies with sign ups to show support, let people know how to contact legislators, have rally specials, wear Vikings colors and do what it takes to build some momentum. Let our legislators know that while the Wilf family may own the Vikings that they are our team, the Minnesota Vikings. I have yet to see anyone doing this, if you got the word out and had specials promoting the event espescially with all the negative football news lately, I bet it would be good for business, the Vikings always are.
There are now only 67 days remaining in this legislative session, one that will in all likelihood be our last chance to keep the Vikings in Minnesota. Once they are gone, what do we do hope to get someone elses team or get an expansion team? Either way we end up paying an exponentially higher amount than we would if we do it the right way now. If we don' t how many businesses will be negatively impacted or even forced to close their doors and lay off their employees? We would truly be returning to our roots and become a northern plain state.
Maybe the rally idea is over the top (anyone crazy enough or determined enough to try can contact me) but I would love to see people with Vikings rally caps getting behind this and have some fun doing it! If not you can still sign up to show support, get more information on the issue & help contacting your legislators and urge them to support a solution that works for Minny and keeps the Vikings here. Just visit and/or contact the organizations listed below:
www.savethevikes.org & on Twitter: @savethevikesorg
www.minnesotamomentum.com & on Twitter: @mnmomentum
www.vikings.com & on Twitter: @vikingsfootball
Will people go out on Sundays on a cold Minnesota November afternoon with nothing to look foward to, nothing to talk about or will Sundays become empty eventless days to stay home and do nothing? Of course there is always the possibility of catering your business to Packer fans? The Vikings have provided many good memories for our community and many of these establishments have a theme that revolves around the Vikings. Why? Because you know it appeals to people, it will draw them in to watch a game, to talk with like minded people and spend money. The Vikings are our team, they are part of our community and our identity. They belong here and we need to find a solution to ensure that they stay here, a solution that works for all of us. People and businesses need to rally, have events drawing support, to get the word out and educate people. We need business to stand up and show their support, letting their legislators know how important the Vikings are to local business with regards to both revenue and jobs. Get their customers to follow suit.
We need to have Save The Vikings Rallies with sign ups to show support, let people know how to contact legislators, have rally specials, wear Vikings colors and do what it takes to build some momentum. Let our legislators know that while the Wilf family may own the Vikings that they are our team, the Minnesota Vikings. I have yet to see anyone doing this, if you got the word out and had specials promoting the event espescially with all the negative football news lately, I bet it would be good for business, the Vikings always are.
There are now only 67 days remaining in this legislative session, one that will in all likelihood be our last chance to keep the Vikings in Minnesota. Once they are gone, what do we do hope to get someone elses team or get an expansion team? Either way we end up paying an exponentially higher amount than we would if we do it the right way now. If we don' t how many businesses will be negatively impacted or even forced to close their doors and lay off their employees? We would truly be returning to our roots and become a northern plain state.
Maybe the rally idea is over the top (anyone crazy enough or determined enough to try can contact me) but I would love to see people with Vikings rally caps getting behind this and have some fun doing it! If not you can still sign up to show support, get more information on the issue & help contacting your legislators and urge them to support a solution that works for Minny and keeps the Vikings here. Just visit and/or contact the organizations listed below:
www.savethevikes.org & on Twitter: @savethevikesorg
www.minnesotamomentum.com & on Twitter: @mnmomentum
www.vikings.com & on Twitter: @vikingsfootball
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Metrodome Repairs Underway...New Mn Stadium On Horizon
Birdair the company tasked with repairing the deflated roof of the Metrodome, reportedly has begun work on the project today. The Metrodome roof was torn and deflated in a severe winter storm that dumped 17" of snow on Minneapolis in December. It has sat unused since that storm and resulted in the relocation of 2 Vikings games during the 2010 season as well as lost revenue for the team and community. Numerous other events scheduled to be held at the dome were also either relocated or cancelled, including Twinsfest which was held in January and was relocated to the National Sports Center in Blaine resulting in the team being forced to scale back its size and number of people allowed to attend. The cost of the repairs is believed to be $18 million with some estimates as high as $25 million with the cost covered by insurance on the facility.
The situation with the dome and the fact the Vikings lease runs out there after the 2011 season has added to the urgency to find a solution for a new Vikings stadium and a permanent home. A new stadium is estimated to cost around $700 million with an additional cost of $200 million with a roof. Over $300 million of the cost to build a stadium would be paid in wages as a result of over 13,000 jobs that would be supported during the construction phase. With the Vikings currently paying or responsible for over $20 million in taxes being paid annually into the general fund, a number expected to jump to over $26 million, and an additional $145 million of spending by Viking fans within the state a new stadium would be a huge boost to our local economy.
Efforts to help find a solution and support for a new Vikings stadium are being spearheaded by Minnesota Momentum & Save The Vikes.Org in cooperation with the Minnesota Vikings. For more information regarding the current stadium situation, to sign up and show your support, as well as information & help with how to contact your local legislators and the governor to encourage their support of this issue please visit:
www.savethevikes.org
www.minnesotamomentum.com
www.vikings.com
You can also follow all of the above on facebook and twitter. To contact and follow on twitter:
@savethevikesorg
@mnmomentum
@vikingsfootball
The situation with the dome and the fact the Vikings lease runs out there after the 2011 season has added to the urgency to find a solution for a new Vikings stadium and a permanent home. A new stadium is estimated to cost around $700 million with an additional cost of $200 million with a roof. Over $300 million of the cost to build a stadium would be paid in wages as a result of over 13,000 jobs that would be supported during the construction phase. With the Vikings currently paying or responsible for over $20 million in taxes being paid annually into the general fund, a number expected to jump to over $26 million, and an additional $145 million of spending by Viking fans within the state a new stadium would be a huge boost to our local economy.
Efforts to help find a solution and support for a new Vikings stadium are being spearheaded by Minnesota Momentum & Save The Vikes.Org in cooperation with the Minnesota Vikings. For more information regarding the current stadium situation, to sign up and show your support, as well as information & help with how to contact your local legislators and the governor to encourage their support of this issue please visit:
www.savethevikes.org
www.minnesotamomentum.com
www.vikings.com
You can also follow all of the above on facebook and twitter. To contact and follow on twitter:
@savethevikesorg
@mnmomentum
@vikingsfootball
Minnesota Vikings? It Starts With You..
Yesterday was a huge day for the state of Minnesota and the Vikings. There was a meeting led by Save The Vikes, Minnesota Momentum & Vikings Officials. The purpose to begin a grassroots effort to keep the Vikings in Minnesota and find a solution to the stadium situation. There is definitely a sense of urgency right now as the Vikings lease at the Metrodome expires at the end of the 2011 season, meaning that potentially there are only 10 games left for the Vikings as we know them. The Vikings have not threatened to leave Minnesota although there is a lot of speculation and they will not renew there Metrodome lease without the stadium situation being addressed. In fact I got the sense nobody wants the Vikings to remain in Minnesota more than the Vikings.
First of all I just wanted to thank Save The Vikes, Minnesota Momentum & the Minnesota Vikings for inviting me and allowing me to be a part of this effort. It is an honor and a privilege. Growing up in the 1970's watching the Vikings go to 4 Super Bowls was one of the most exciting experiences ever and brought so much recognition to this community. I can still see Sir Francis running around in the pocket trying to evade defenders like Jim or Jack Youngblood, Jack Ham and others. Watching the Purple People Eaters wreaking havoc on opposing offenses like few defenses on any team have done sense. Growing up as a child and having those role models to look up to and the dream of maybe one day being able to play for my favorite team is one I will always cherish. OK so I had no football skills to speak of and lived vicariously through them but I was a kid, give me a break, it was fun.
Having memories and dreams like that is something every Minnesota child should have if they are interested in football. It is one of many things the Vikings provide to the people of Minnesota while adding to our quality of life and options of things to do, espescially during those lean winter months.
There is currently only 68 days remaining in the 2011 legislative session so there must be a sense of urgency to find common ground and a resolution. The Vikings have been trying for over a decade to resolve this issue and have been rebuffed every year due to the existence of other issues. They even graciously stepped aside in 2006 so that a resolution of the Twins & Gophers situations could be obtained, otherwise we might still be looking at 3 unresolved stadium issues. The Vikings have definitely been a team player and recognize the value of other assets to Minnesota and our quality of life. They are a great partner and asset to our community. While there are indeed priorities that need to be addressed espescially in these difficult times, the time really is now. The lease is up, the dome is down, the economy and jobs are down and a Vikings Stadium Solution can help address all these issues.
In the last decade Minnesota has recognized the value, after losing the North Stars in 1993, of its sports teams as important pieces of our quality of life. The Minnesota Wild an expansion team awarded to Minnesota in 1997 after a long fight and a lot of money spent began play in 2000 at the newly constructed Xcel Energy Center. There was over $300 million spent to get this facility built and a team back in Minnesota after the Met Center was demolished which could have been renovated for $20 million in 1993. The Wild and the Xcel Energy Center has helped to rejuvenate Saint Paul and have helped draw many other events due to the quality of the venue bringing in additional revenue to the community. There were numerous jobs created during the construction and many permanent jobs as a result of the Wild and the Xcel Energy Center with all the events it draws.
While we were never in danger of losing the Gophers as they are part of the U of M, a public institution, the addition of TCF Bank Stadium, in addition to all the jobs and the rejuvenation of that area, has helped create huge revenue streams for Minnesota and the U of M. This is important because it helps sustain other sports which are non revenue producing and allows students to pursue their dreams which otherwise could be cut due to difficult economic choices.
Then of course there is the Twins & Target Field which took a decade to resolve and is built on the former site of a parking lot. This was a contentious debate that took a decade to resolve and looking back nobody can dispute the benefit it has provided to the community and will continue to provide for decades to come. It is one of the best facilities in the nation, has been warmly embraced by fans and the community, rejuvenated that area of Minneapolis and is creating larger than expected revenue streams for the state and local community directly and indirectly.
All of this leads us back to the Vikings and their dire situation. The team is currently subsidized to the tune of $15-20 million dollars per year by other NFL owners just to be able to compete. This is one issue NFL owners want addressed in the current state of the NFL as they do not want to be sending their money to other communities unwilling to help themselves. There has been 28 of the 32 NFL teams and communities that have in recent times resolved their stadium situations through new construction or renovation. The Vikings are currently in the smallest, the oldest unrenovated stadium and the lowest revenue producing stadium in the country putting them at the bottom in terms of competitiveness. A new stadium would put them in the middle of the pack, able to compete with the HATED Packers, Bears and Lions.
This issue can be resolved without using state general fund money or statewide taxes. There are numerous funding options on the table, we just have to get there, sit down and find a solution that works for everyone. The Vikings are not looking to be a burden to the community, & recognize the importance of all the other issues. They are looking to be part of the solution to the problems facing us today by helping create new jobs and new stronger revenue streams.
To help accomplish this we need every Viking fan to get on board, recognize the importance of the Vikings to our state quality of life and our identity. Information is available for you to contact your legislator to urge them to support this issue and help find a resolution. We need them to sit down and work something out that benefits Minnesota and keeps our team here where they belong. Two of our teams have already won championships and brought in huge amounts of money into other local economies on the backs of our efforts and money we spent, lets not make it a third. Please help us find a reasonable solution to fund a peoples stadium that works for all and keeps the Vikings in Minnesota. To do this please visit the websites below and sign up to stay up to date on the issues, you can find legislators contact information as well as a letter you can fill in and send to legislators and the governor. You can also follow and contact these sources on twitter and facebook for up to date information and answers to your questions.
Please sign up as a supporter, to contact your legislator, and/or to stay informed and up to date on the issues:
Save The Vikes Org.: www.savethevikes.org or on twitter @savethevikesorg
Minnesota Momentum: www.minnesotamomentum or on twitter @mnmomentum
Minnesota Vikings: www.vikings.com or on twitter @vikingsfootball
THANK YOU in advance for any and all your support to keep the Vikings here in Minnesota in a home deserving of Minnesotas most popular team.
SKOL VIKES!
First of all I just wanted to thank Save The Vikes, Minnesota Momentum & the Minnesota Vikings for inviting me and allowing me to be a part of this effort. It is an honor and a privilege. Growing up in the 1970's watching the Vikings go to 4 Super Bowls was one of the most exciting experiences ever and brought so much recognition to this community. I can still see Sir Francis running around in the pocket trying to evade defenders like Jim or Jack Youngblood, Jack Ham and others. Watching the Purple People Eaters wreaking havoc on opposing offenses like few defenses on any team have done sense. Growing up as a child and having those role models to look up to and the dream of maybe one day being able to play for my favorite team is one I will always cherish. OK so I had no football skills to speak of and lived vicariously through them but I was a kid, give me a break, it was fun.
Having memories and dreams like that is something every Minnesota child should have if they are interested in football. It is one of many things the Vikings provide to the people of Minnesota while adding to our quality of life and options of things to do, espescially during those lean winter months.
There is currently only 68 days remaining in the 2011 legislative session so there must be a sense of urgency to find common ground and a resolution. The Vikings have been trying for over a decade to resolve this issue and have been rebuffed every year due to the existence of other issues. They even graciously stepped aside in 2006 so that a resolution of the Twins & Gophers situations could be obtained, otherwise we might still be looking at 3 unresolved stadium issues. The Vikings have definitely been a team player and recognize the value of other assets to Minnesota and our quality of life. They are a great partner and asset to our community. While there are indeed priorities that need to be addressed espescially in these difficult times, the time really is now. The lease is up, the dome is down, the economy and jobs are down and a Vikings Stadium Solution can help address all these issues.
In the last decade Minnesota has recognized the value, after losing the North Stars in 1993, of its sports teams as important pieces of our quality of life. The Minnesota Wild an expansion team awarded to Minnesota in 1997 after a long fight and a lot of money spent began play in 2000 at the newly constructed Xcel Energy Center. There was over $300 million spent to get this facility built and a team back in Minnesota after the Met Center was demolished which could have been renovated for $20 million in 1993. The Wild and the Xcel Energy Center has helped to rejuvenate Saint Paul and have helped draw many other events due to the quality of the venue bringing in additional revenue to the community. There were numerous jobs created during the construction and many permanent jobs as a result of the Wild and the Xcel Energy Center with all the events it draws.
While we were never in danger of losing the Gophers as they are part of the U of M, a public institution, the addition of TCF Bank Stadium, in addition to all the jobs and the rejuvenation of that area, has helped create huge revenue streams for Minnesota and the U of M. This is important because it helps sustain other sports which are non revenue producing and allows students to pursue their dreams which otherwise could be cut due to difficult economic choices.
Then of course there is the Twins & Target Field which took a decade to resolve and is built on the former site of a parking lot. This was a contentious debate that took a decade to resolve and looking back nobody can dispute the benefit it has provided to the community and will continue to provide for decades to come. It is one of the best facilities in the nation, has been warmly embraced by fans and the community, rejuvenated that area of Minneapolis and is creating larger than expected revenue streams for the state and local community directly and indirectly.
All of this leads us back to the Vikings and their dire situation. The team is currently subsidized to the tune of $15-20 million dollars per year by other NFL owners just to be able to compete. This is one issue NFL owners want addressed in the current state of the NFL as they do not want to be sending their money to other communities unwilling to help themselves. There has been 28 of the 32 NFL teams and communities that have in recent times resolved their stadium situations through new construction or renovation. The Vikings are currently in the smallest, the oldest unrenovated stadium and the lowest revenue producing stadium in the country putting them at the bottom in terms of competitiveness. A new stadium would put them in the middle of the pack, able to compete with the HATED Packers, Bears and Lions.
This issue can be resolved without using state general fund money or statewide taxes. There are numerous funding options on the table, we just have to get there, sit down and find a solution that works for everyone. The Vikings are not looking to be a burden to the community, & recognize the importance of all the other issues. They are looking to be part of the solution to the problems facing us today by helping create new jobs and new stronger revenue streams.
To help accomplish this we need every Viking fan to get on board, recognize the importance of the Vikings to our state quality of life and our identity. Information is available for you to contact your legislator to urge them to support this issue and help find a resolution. We need them to sit down and work something out that benefits Minnesota and keeps our team here where they belong. Two of our teams have already won championships and brought in huge amounts of money into other local economies on the backs of our efforts and money we spent, lets not make it a third. Please help us find a reasonable solution to fund a peoples stadium that works for all and keeps the Vikings in Minnesota. To do this please visit the websites below and sign up to stay up to date on the issues, you can find legislators contact information as well as a letter you can fill in and send to legislators and the governor. You can also follow and contact these sources on twitter and facebook for up to date information and answers to your questions.
Please sign up as a supporter, to contact your legislator, and/or to stay informed and up to date on the issues:
Save The Vikes Org.: www.savethevikes.org or on twitter @savethevikesorg
Minnesota Momentum: www.minnesotamomentum or on twitter @mnmomentum
Minnesota Vikings: www.vikings.com or on twitter @vikingsfootball
THANK YOU in advance for any and all your support to keep the Vikings here in Minnesota in a home deserving of Minnesotas most popular team.
SKOL VIKES!
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Randy Moss on KFAN AM1130
Randy Moss made a return to Minnesota this morning. No the Vikings have not re-signed him a 3rd time, he was on the air with Vikings linebacker @erinhenderson50 who was filling in for Paul Allen this morning.
Moss who is currently without an NFL job as he and the Tennessee Titans have recently parted ways, has spent time with 4 NFL teams including 2 stints with the Vikings durig his 12 year career. Moss stated stated it broke his heart to leave Minnesota. He also mentioned that he would be interested in coming back if the opportunity was available. However it does appear that his first choice would be the New England Patriots due to his affection for QB Tom Brady and Head Coach Bill Belichick.
Although the Vikings do have a need at the wide receiver position espescially with the impending release of Bernard Berrian who has been an immense failure during his time as a Viking, it is highly unlikely Moss would be brought back. There is however the uncertainty related to the situation of Sidney Rice due to the expiration of the CBA and nothing new in place. Rice could leave as a free agent depending on the terms of a new CBA. The Vikings made attempts to re-sign him prior to the CBA expiring but those attempts failed. Behind Berrian & Rice the Vikings still have Percy Harvin, Greg Camarillo, Greg Lewis, Jaymar Johnson, and something called Hackett. So while there are bodies there is a substantial gap after Harvin as far as skill level although Camarillo would make a great possession receiver if given the chance. Camarillo was seldom used by former coach Childress for unknown reasons, possibly due to the fact that he was not a former Philadelphia Eagle.
Expect the Vikings after releasing B Nothing to make some moves at the wide receiver position either later in the draft, after addressing the QB position and defensive needs, or through free agency. The free agent market has alot of bodies right now and that is expected to grow once a new CBA is in place, so there should be some quality options.
Moss who is currently without an NFL job as he and the Tennessee Titans have recently parted ways, has spent time with 4 NFL teams including 2 stints with the Vikings durig his 12 year career. Moss stated stated it broke his heart to leave Minnesota. He also mentioned that he would be interested in coming back if the opportunity was available. However it does appear that his first choice would be the New England Patriots due to his affection for QB Tom Brady and Head Coach Bill Belichick.
Although the Vikings do have a need at the wide receiver position espescially with the impending release of Bernard Berrian who has been an immense failure during his time as a Viking, it is highly unlikely Moss would be brought back. There is however the uncertainty related to the situation of Sidney Rice due to the expiration of the CBA and nothing new in place. Rice could leave as a free agent depending on the terms of a new CBA. The Vikings made attempts to re-sign him prior to the CBA expiring but those attempts failed. Behind Berrian & Rice the Vikings still have Percy Harvin, Greg Camarillo, Greg Lewis, Jaymar Johnson, and something called Hackett. So while there are bodies there is a substantial gap after Harvin as far as skill level although Camarillo would make a great possession receiver if given the chance. Camarillo was seldom used by former coach Childress for unknown reasons, possibly due to the fact that he was not a former Philadelphia Eagle.
Expect the Vikings after releasing B Nothing to make some moves at the wide receiver position either later in the draft, after addressing the QB position and defensive needs, or through free agency. The free agent market has alot of bodies right now and that is expected to grow once a new CBA is in place, so there should be some quality options.
NFL Draft Preparation
Well it is that time of year again and the NFL Draft is fast approaching. Everyone and their brother has a mock draft or thinks they know who their favorite team will select. Having said that someone is bound to be right, the next Mel Kiper (god forbid). What is fun about this time of year as a fan though is dreaming and trying to figure out what your team might do.
In 2011 the Minnesota Vikings will be selecting 12th overall in the 1st round. They will have no pick in the 3rd round as they gave that up to satisfy their curiousity of finding out if Randy Moss could still fit into his Vikings uniform. That apparently didn't go well as they quickly shipped him out. The Vikings have a lot of needs after a dissapointing 2010 and a coaching change with a new philosophy. Apparently Coach Frazier is going to look into the phenomenon of winning (not a Charlie Sheen reference).
The Vikings are in desperate need of a franchise QB, in addition probably a veteran QB to mentor him for a couple years. Other needs include solidifying the O-line and maybe a DT, LB, & DB. Depth at other positions could also be improved but Ben Leber is rumored to not be brought back, Pat Williams is having a tizzy and apparently won't be back, Brett Favre not even going there espescially since Coach Frazier made it clear we won't be traveling that road. As for the O-line well that was just a sieve!
Many people have the Vikings dropping down into later in the 1st round to take a DE. While I do see the possibility of dropping down, it is more than likely contingent on how the QB situation plays out and how many teams are in the 1st round market. If it looks like the guy they have targeted could drop, espescially early 2nd round then maybe they drop and take a defensive player later in the first or early 2nd adding a 3rd round pick.
How the CBA plays out between now and then could have a huge impact on the draft as it could alter who is and who is not a free agent. This is definitely a period of uncertainty and while the Vikings have a lot of needs they also appear to have been preparing for this year for awhile based on overall contract situations.
It would be nice to see the Vikings draft a franchise QB early (1st or 2nd). In the 50 year history of the Vikings only 2 QB's have ever been selected in the 1st round, the last Daunte Culpepper in 1999. If it were to happen he could be learning the ropes so he is ready to play in a new Vikings Stadium, assuming a #vikingsstadiumsolution is found and approved by the legislature.
Finally don't forget with the current CBA situation teams have been dumping players and salaries, the market will be flooded like never before. The Vikings are expected to jettison some dead weight as well which will free up even more money. So regardless of how the draft goes, the Vikings figure to be active in free agency.
In 2011 the Minnesota Vikings will be selecting 12th overall in the 1st round. They will have no pick in the 3rd round as they gave that up to satisfy their curiousity of finding out if Randy Moss could still fit into his Vikings uniform. That apparently didn't go well as they quickly shipped him out. The Vikings have a lot of needs after a dissapointing 2010 and a coaching change with a new philosophy. Apparently Coach Frazier is going to look into the phenomenon of winning (not a Charlie Sheen reference).
The Vikings are in desperate need of a franchise QB, in addition probably a veteran QB to mentor him for a couple years. Other needs include solidifying the O-line and maybe a DT, LB, & DB. Depth at other positions could also be improved but Ben Leber is rumored to not be brought back, Pat Williams is having a tizzy and apparently won't be back, Brett Favre not even going there espescially since Coach Frazier made it clear we won't be traveling that road. As for the O-line well that was just a sieve!
Many people have the Vikings dropping down into later in the 1st round to take a DE. While I do see the possibility of dropping down, it is more than likely contingent on how the QB situation plays out and how many teams are in the 1st round market. If it looks like the guy they have targeted could drop, espescially early 2nd round then maybe they drop and take a defensive player later in the first or early 2nd adding a 3rd round pick.
How the CBA plays out between now and then could have a huge impact on the draft as it could alter who is and who is not a free agent. This is definitely a period of uncertainty and while the Vikings have a lot of needs they also appear to have been preparing for this year for awhile based on overall contract situations.
It would be nice to see the Vikings draft a franchise QB early (1st or 2nd). In the 50 year history of the Vikings only 2 QB's have ever been selected in the 1st round, the last Daunte Culpepper in 1999. If it were to happen he could be learning the ropes so he is ready to play in a new Vikings Stadium, assuming a #vikingsstadiumsolution is found and approved by the legislature.
Finally don't forget with the current CBA situation teams have been dumping players and salaries, the market will be flooded like never before. The Vikings are expected to jettison some dead weight as well which will free up even more money. So regardless of how the draft goes, the Vikings figure to be active in free agency.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
MN Vikings Situation A Replay Of MN North Stars Fiasco
The similiarities are many between the current Minnesota Vikings situation and that of the FORMER MN North Stars. In 1991 the North Stars went all the way to the Stanley Cup Finals vs. Pittsburgh Penguins. They were also seeking state help with renovations for the aging Met Center of $20 mil. The state took a hard ball stance and said no, if you want it pay for it yourself and if you don't like it leave. It didn't help that at that time the North Stars were owned by Norm Green who had legal problems with staff members and had no less than 7 banks if memory serves me correctly pursuing him for money owed. The end result was that in 1993 Norm took the money and ran and oh yeah he took the North Stars with him all the way to Dallas and immediately sold the franchise down there.
It took Minnesota 7 VERY LONG years and rediculous amounts of money, over $20 mil, to convince the NHL we were worthy of another chance and an expansion franchise. So we were forced to start over (not a rip on the Wild they rock) with a new team. All of our previous money, hard work and tradition was lost and in 1999 Dallas won a Stanley Cup with our team. Our new expansion team opened up in 2000 with a bunch of cast offs, albeit hard working ones with a lot of character and grit. The total cost was over $300 mil for expansion fees and a new arena in downtown St. Paul.
Here we are just shy of 20 years later and Minnesota has not learned a thing. We know the damage done and the cost of replacing a team that departs and both are high!
In 2009 the Minnesota Vikings were 1 dropped pass, 1 interception, 1 fumble, 1 too many men on the field penalty, 1 not going for a field goal, or.... oh well you get the picture we were that close to the Super Bowl then lost in OT.
The Vikings have been trying for better part of a decade or more to get the attention of the legislature for a #vikingsstadiumsolution to no avail. In 2006 they graciously stepped aside at the request of the legislature so that bills could be finalized resolving the Twins and Gophers poor stadium situations which the Vikings recognized as also important. They were team players doing what was best for Minnesota as they realized the value of those important assets. The legislature PROMISED the Vikings situation would be addressed. Here we are in 2011, which by the way is the last year of the Vikings lease tying them to Minny, and still no resolutuon of the issue. It just keeps being pushed to the backburner because of other issues. These issues are also important, but the legislature is elected and tasked with handling all the states issues and if necessary multi-tasking, not just handling the politically easy footballs. We need to handle this and keep it as affordable as possible for Minny. Not ignoring the issue and have the costs go up exponentially and lose the team like we did with the North Stars.
The Vikings are a valuable asset for Minnesota and a proven team player in what is best for the state, lets resolve this VERY important issue and keep the Vikings where they belong, here in Minny!!
LA is salivating over our team right now ready to make an offer! Let's treat them like the dogs they are and tell them no prime rib today, go get your ground chuck and pick up a team like the Jacksonville Jaguars, Buffalo Bills, San Diego Chargers or Oakland Raiders!! Two of which already have had LA ties and the other two, well blah....what does NY state need 3 teams for anyway?
The time is now Minnesota!! The #biginflatabletoilet is not a viable option for the Vikings or for us. Look what the Xcel Energy Center has done for St. Paul and what Target Field has done for Minneapolis! Both of which by the way were in the top 5 as named by SI for fan game day experience nationwide in all pro sports, with Target Field #1 and Xcel Energy Center #3. When we do it, we can do it right and cheaper than many other lower quality venues.
Please visit the sites below for more information. Also PLEASE contact Gov. Mark Dayton and your legislators and urge them to support this vital legislation. Additionally you can follow and contact for more info on Twitter as listed below:
Minnesota Momentum - www.minnesotamomentum.com or on Twitter @mnmomentum
Save The Vikes - www.savethevikes.org or on Twitter @savethevikesorg
Minnesota Vikings - www.vikings.com or on Twitter @vikingsfootball
SIGN UP NOW!! SKOL VIKES!!
It took Minnesota 7 VERY LONG years and rediculous amounts of money, over $20 mil, to convince the NHL we were worthy of another chance and an expansion franchise. So we were forced to start over (not a rip on the Wild they rock) with a new team. All of our previous money, hard work and tradition was lost and in 1999 Dallas won a Stanley Cup with our team. Our new expansion team opened up in 2000 with a bunch of cast offs, albeit hard working ones with a lot of character and grit. The total cost was over $300 mil for expansion fees and a new arena in downtown St. Paul.
Here we are just shy of 20 years later and Minnesota has not learned a thing. We know the damage done and the cost of replacing a team that departs and both are high!
In 2009 the Minnesota Vikings were 1 dropped pass, 1 interception, 1 fumble, 1 too many men on the field penalty, 1 not going for a field goal, or.... oh well you get the picture we were that close to the Super Bowl then lost in OT.
The Vikings have been trying for better part of a decade or more to get the attention of the legislature for a #vikingsstadiumsolution to no avail. In 2006 they graciously stepped aside at the request of the legislature so that bills could be finalized resolving the Twins and Gophers poor stadium situations which the Vikings recognized as also important. They were team players doing what was best for Minnesota as they realized the value of those important assets. The legislature PROMISED the Vikings situation would be addressed. Here we are in 2011, which by the way is the last year of the Vikings lease tying them to Minny, and still no resolutuon of the issue. It just keeps being pushed to the backburner because of other issues. These issues are also important, but the legislature is elected and tasked with handling all the states issues and if necessary multi-tasking, not just handling the politically easy footballs. We need to handle this and keep it as affordable as possible for Minny. Not ignoring the issue and have the costs go up exponentially and lose the team like we did with the North Stars.
The Vikings are a valuable asset for Minnesota and a proven team player in what is best for the state, lets resolve this VERY important issue and keep the Vikings where they belong, here in Minny!!
LA is salivating over our team right now ready to make an offer! Let's treat them like the dogs they are and tell them no prime rib today, go get your ground chuck and pick up a team like the Jacksonville Jaguars, Buffalo Bills, San Diego Chargers or Oakland Raiders!! Two of which already have had LA ties and the other two, well blah....what does NY state need 3 teams for anyway?
The time is now Minnesota!! The #biginflatabletoilet is not a viable option for the Vikings or for us. Look what the Xcel Energy Center has done for St. Paul and what Target Field has done for Minneapolis! Both of which by the way were in the top 5 as named by SI for fan game day experience nationwide in all pro sports, with Target Field #1 and Xcel Energy Center #3. When we do it, we can do it right and cheaper than many other lower quality venues.
Please visit the sites below for more information. Also PLEASE contact Gov. Mark Dayton and your legislators and urge them to support this vital legislation. Additionally you can follow and contact for more info on Twitter as listed below:
Minnesota Momentum - www.minnesotamomentum.com or on Twitter @mnmomentum
Save The Vikes - www.savethevikes.org or on Twitter @savethevikesorg
Minnesota Vikings - www.vikings.com or on Twitter @vikingsfootball
SIGN UP NOW!! SKOL VIKES!!
Saturday, March 12, 2011
2011 MN Legislative Session-New MN Vikings Stadium
Well we knew this day was coming and now it is here. The upcoming 2011 season is the last year of the Minnesota Vikings lease at the HHH Metrodome AKA Mall of America Field, #humptydump, #biginflatabletoilet. This is not a surprise, it is a date that has been on everyones calendar and they have chosen to ignore it rather than deal with the issue at hand. Now we have budget issues and we are up against it.
A #vikingsstadiumsolution is not directly related to the ongoing budget however, as any funding mechansim would likely come from new not existing sources. The bottom line is do we consider the MINNESOTA Vikings an asset to this state? Here are some benefits to the state of Mn off the top of my head as well as some potential funding mechanisms:
Benefits to Minny-
- Great Entertainment.
- Free National Exposure/Advertising Increasing Tourism.
- MOST cases great role models for children and something for them to relate to and dream of.
- Minimum $20 mil/ yr in taxes paid into state coffers in current situation, likely to increase to $25-30 mil in new venue.
- Permanent Jobs with Team and Venue. Number likely to increase in new venue.
- Construction & other jobs during down economy building new facility and resulting state revenue.
- Residual Jobs & Income from businesses benefiting from Vikings.
- Sports Memorabilia sales taxes likely to decrease with no NFL team.
- Money spent from outstate and neighboring states residents traveling to Vikings games. Not to mention former residents.
- Unplanned revenue from advancing to playoffs and beyond (gotta dream).
- Community pride and something to take our minds off tough times and winters.
- Vikings community involvement and giving.
- New stadium would rejuvenate non revenue producing or potentially otherwise non developable areas.
- Finalizes all stadium debates for a generation or more potentially with proper funding to cover modernization and maintenance.
This list is not all inclusive. It was just what popped into my small little brain and I was able to trap inside before it escaped. There is only so much room in there. It is meant to stimulate thought and debate. There is more. What do the Vikings mean to you?
POTENTIAL Funding Mechanisms (Advantages and drawbacks) -
- G3 NFL Stadium Funds (only available if in new CBA. Affects nobody. Reduces needed funding.)
- Vikings Ownership Contributions (Reduces funding amount needed.)
- Vikings Lottery Scratch off. (Strictly Voluntary but Limited Revenue Produced)
- Vikings License Plates. (Same as above.)
- Dedicated Sports Memorabilia Tax on Pro Sports Merchandise (Voluntary. Non necessity. Decent Revenue.)
- Game Day Ticket and Parking Taxes (Voluntary. Decent Revenue.)
- Venue Specific Sales Tax (Voluntary. Good Revenue.)
- Hospitality Tax (Xcellent Revenue. Paid by people not necessarily supporting stadium/benefiting unless limited to a stadium district.)
- Metrowide or statewide general sales tax increase (xcellent revenue. Paid by all but mininal impact.)
- Downtown Casino (Xcellent Revenue. Creates jobs. Rejuvenates Block E. Limited people affected. Native opposition high.)
- Racino (Same as downtown Casino. Less opposition from Native lobby than full Casino.)
- Capture and dedicate Vikings revenue streams (Affects nobody except general fund but if they leave these funds no longer exist anyway and then we keep all other residual revenues).
Again this list is not all inclusive and is meant to generate thoughts and ideas. There are many more. Time to get creative and see what works.
For more information, to show your support, or to contact your legislators and the governor to encourage their support of appropriate bill please visit the sites below and follow/contact on twitter:
Minnesota Vikings - www.vikings.com & on Twitter: @vikingsfootball
Minnesota Momentum - www.minnesotamomentum.com & on Twitter: @mnmomentum
Save The Vikes - www.savethevikes.org & on Twitter: @savethevikesorg
PLEASE sign up & show your support. Help keep the Vikings where they belong...Minny!!
#SKOLVIKES
A #vikingsstadiumsolution is not directly related to the ongoing budget however, as any funding mechansim would likely come from new not existing sources. The bottom line is do we consider the MINNESOTA Vikings an asset to this state? Here are some benefits to the state of Mn off the top of my head as well as some potential funding mechanisms:
Benefits to Minny-
- Great Entertainment.
- Free National Exposure/Advertising Increasing Tourism.
- MOST cases great role models for children and something for them to relate to and dream of.
- Minimum $20 mil/ yr in taxes paid into state coffers in current situation, likely to increase to $25-30 mil in new venue.
- Permanent Jobs with Team and Venue. Number likely to increase in new venue.
- Construction & other jobs during down economy building new facility and resulting state revenue.
- Residual Jobs & Income from businesses benefiting from Vikings.
- Sports Memorabilia sales taxes likely to decrease with no NFL team.
- Money spent from outstate and neighboring states residents traveling to Vikings games. Not to mention former residents.
- Unplanned revenue from advancing to playoffs and beyond (gotta dream).
- Community pride and something to take our minds off tough times and winters.
- Vikings community involvement and giving.
- New stadium would rejuvenate non revenue producing or potentially otherwise non developable areas.
- Finalizes all stadium debates for a generation or more potentially with proper funding to cover modernization and maintenance.
This list is not all inclusive. It was just what popped into my small little brain and I was able to trap inside before it escaped. There is only so much room in there. It is meant to stimulate thought and debate. There is more. What do the Vikings mean to you?
POTENTIAL Funding Mechanisms (Advantages and drawbacks) -
- G3 NFL Stadium Funds (only available if in new CBA. Affects nobody. Reduces needed funding.)
- Vikings Ownership Contributions (Reduces funding amount needed.)
- Vikings Lottery Scratch off. (Strictly Voluntary but Limited Revenue Produced)
- Vikings License Plates. (Same as above.)
- Dedicated Sports Memorabilia Tax on Pro Sports Merchandise (Voluntary. Non necessity. Decent Revenue.)
- Game Day Ticket and Parking Taxes (Voluntary. Decent Revenue.)
- Venue Specific Sales Tax (Voluntary. Good Revenue.)
- Hospitality Tax (Xcellent Revenue. Paid by people not necessarily supporting stadium/benefiting unless limited to a stadium district.)
- Metrowide or statewide general sales tax increase (xcellent revenue. Paid by all but mininal impact.)
- Downtown Casino (Xcellent Revenue. Creates jobs. Rejuvenates Block E. Limited people affected. Native opposition high.)
- Racino (Same as downtown Casino. Less opposition from Native lobby than full Casino.)
- Capture and dedicate Vikings revenue streams (Affects nobody except general fund but if they leave these funds no longer exist anyway and then we keep all other residual revenues).
Again this list is not all inclusive and is meant to generate thoughts and ideas. There are many more. Time to get creative and see what works.
For more information, to show your support, or to contact your legislators and the governor to encourage their support of appropriate bill please visit the sites below and follow/contact on twitter:
Minnesota Vikings - www.vikings.com & on Twitter: @vikingsfootball
Minnesota Momentum - www.minnesotamomentum.com & on Twitter: @mnmomentum
Save The Vikes - www.savethevikes.org & on Twitter: @savethevikesorg
PLEASE sign up & show your support. Help keep the Vikings where they belong...Minny!!
#SKOLVIKES
T-Wolves Owner Taylor a Vikings savior for Minny?
According to Rick Kupchellas Bring Me The News & MPR, the owner of the Minnesota Timberwolves is putting together a stadium proposal of his own. The report says Taylor is looking for state help to renovate the 21 yr old Target Center in the anount of $150 mil + to modernize the venue and to compete with the crosstown Xcel Energy Center for additional events. He is proposing a metro wide sales tax in addition to a downtown casino, more than likely to be located in struggling Block E, which would fund his renovations in addition to financing a new Minnesota Vikings Stadium. Total cost of the proposal is estimated at $1.2 bil.
Taylors proposal reportedly would also create a statewide oversight committee for all sports venues. This commmittee would be charged with oversight & maintenance of the facilities as well as negotiating leases. The funding mechanism would more than likely be left in place for future renovations of all facilities to keep them safe, modern and competitive with other similiar venues.
The Minnesota Vikings have yet to publicly comment on this potential development, however a representative of the Vikings has stated a Vikings Stadium Bill is imminent and legislators have also indicated a bill is forthcoming. It is not known if any of these events are related at this point or if they could be linked at a later date. Stay tuned as this debate is sure to begin heating up as spring approaches.
To support or get involved in keeping YOUR MINNESOTA VIKINGS where they belong, here in Minny, please visit the sites below and/or follow the below listed twitter accounts for constant updates, contests and more importantly to show your support:
Minnesota Vikings: www.vikings.com
Twitter: @vikingsfootball
Minnesota Momentum: www.minnesotamomentum.com
Twitter: @mnmomentum
Save The Vikes: www.savethevikes.org
Twitter: @savethevikesorg
PLEASE contact your legislators and Governor Mark Dayton urging them to support a #vikingsstadiumsolution information & assistance on how to do this is available through the above sources.
Taylors proposal reportedly would also create a statewide oversight committee for all sports venues. This commmittee would be charged with oversight & maintenance of the facilities as well as negotiating leases. The funding mechanism would more than likely be left in place for future renovations of all facilities to keep them safe, modern and competitive with other similiar venues.
The Minnesota Vikings have yet to publicly comment on this potential development, however a representative of the Vikings has stated a Vikings Stadium Bill is imminent and legislators have also indicated a bill is forthcoming. It is not known if any of these events are related at this point or if they could be linked at a later date. Stay tuned as this debate is sure to begin heating up as spring approaches.
To support or get involved in keeping YOUR MINNESOTA VIKINGS where they belong, here in Minny, please visit the sites below and/or follow the below listed twitter accounts for constant updates, contests and more importantly to show your support:
Minnesota Vikings: www.vikings.com
Twitter: @vikingsfootball
Minnesota Momentum: www.minnesotamomentum.com
Twitter: @mnmomentum
Save The Vikes: www.savethevikes.org
Twitter: @savethevikesorg
PLEASE contact your legislators and Governor Mark Dayton urging them to support a #vikingsstadiumsolution information & assistance on how to do this is available through the above sources.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Decertification...Pending Lockout....New Stadium??
Ok well the Vikings quest for a new stadium took another turn down an even bumpier road today, but one that is still passable. After extending the current CBA 1 week last week to continue negotiations that had been making progress, everything came to a standstill today.
Although the owners made numerous concessions and wanted to continue negotiations the union refused to continue unless owners provided 10 years of completely audited financials for the league which is completely unrealistic. The owners did agree to provide the union with P & L statements which should have been sufficient. They recoginzed concerns of the union regarding an 18 game schedule and agreed to put that off at least 2 years while continuing to negotiate the issue. With regards to a rookie salary cap they agreed to a reduction in 1st round money and transferring those wages to veterans on payroll with no reductions in rounds 2-7. They agreed to split the compensation gap with each side conceeding to meet in the middle. Finally they agreed to a legacy fund for the medical costs of retired players with owners putting in $82 mil over 2 years. Overall a pretty accomodating position by ownership.
The end result was the union decertifying and no longer representing players and will continue to exist only as a trade association. Their next step is to file anti trust lawsuits to prevent a lockout. However this appears to be there intent from the beginning and not negotiating in good faith. Without the benefit of being a lawyer or having the benefit of knowledge of all laws governing this situation, it would appear to me that the NFL rather than risk anti trust rulings should declare an impasse then unilaterally impose new rules. Do not lockout. There is no longer a union to negotiate with by the players own choosing therefore they are individual employees subject to work rules and conditions imposed by their employers within the law. They no longer have collective rights. Time to move on and get ready for the draft.
This however is only my opinion and a theory I would love to see tested as unions are legalized mafia using bullying tactics and driving up the price of everything and driving down the quality, including in pro sports.
What impact would this have on a new stadium? Bottom line probably not much although it might create more animosity and nervousness. Provisions could be put into a final bill delaying implementation until a new CBA is in place if desired by the legislature. The important thing is to get a bill passed this session.
REMEMBER THE NORTH STARS!!
Although the owners made numerous concessions and wanted to continue negotiations the union refused to continue unless owners provided 10 years of completely audited financials for the league which is completely unrealistic. The owners did agree to provide the union with P & L statements which should have been sufficient. They recoginzed concerns of the union regarding an 18 game schedule and agreed to put that off at least 2 years while continuing to negotiate the issue. With regards to a rookie salary cap they agreed to a reduction in 1st round money and transferring those wages to veterans on payroll with no reductions in rounds 2-7. They agreed to split the compensation gap with each side conceeding to meet in the middle. Finally they agreed to a legacy fund for the medical costs of retired players with owners putting in $82 mil over 2 years. Overall a pretty accomodating position by ownership.
The end result was the union decertifying and no longer representing players and will continue to exist only as a trade association. Their next step is to file anti trust lawsuits to prevent a lockout. However this appears to be there intent from the beginning and not negotiating in good faith. Without the benefit of being a lawyer or having the benefit of knowledge of all laws governing this situation, it would appear to me that the NFL rather than risk anti trust rulings should declare an impasse then unilaterally impose new rules. Do not lockout. There is no longer a union to negotiate with by the players own choosing therefore they are individual employees subject to work rules and conditions imposed by their employers within the law. They no longer have collective rights. Time to move on and get ready for the draft.
This however is only my opinion and a theory I would love to see tested as unions are legalized mafia using bullying tactics and driving up the price of everything and driving down the quality, including in pro sports.
What impact would this have on a new stadium? Bottom line probably not much although it might create more animosity and nervousness. Provisions could be put into a final bill delaying implementation until a new CBA is in place if desired by the legislature. The important thing is to get a bill passed this session.
REMEMBER THE NORTH STARS!!
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Peoples Stadium Contact Info
With the stadium debate about to kick into full gear it is time for supporters/fans of the Vikings to step up and show their support. All you have to do is sign up to voice your support and say you don't want another Minnesota team to leave for warmer climates, allowing them to cash in on our hard work and money already spent! If you want to be more involved that is always a possibility as well. We need as many citizens/fans as possible to step up, contact their legislators & the governor to get them behind this effort and to find a Vikings Stadium Solution once and for all.
For more information PLEASE visit:
www.minnesotamomentum.com
OR
www.savethevikes.org
Yoy can also contact and follow on twitter: @mnmomentum @savethevikesorg
For more information PLEASE visit:
www.minnesotamomentum.com
OR
www.savethevikes.org
Yoy can also contact and follow on twitter: @mnmomentum @savethevikesorg
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Vikings Stadium Solution
As winter is drawing to a close, albeit not without a fight, the 2011 legislative session will not be far behind. This session is crucial to the future of the Vikings here in Minnesota. The Vikings have stadium bill sponsors ready to take the debate to commitee and hopefully to a full vote in both chambers. At which time, if passed, our Governor Mark Dayton will be ready to sign. That is if it is a "peoples stadium" as he puts it, benefiting the people of Minnesota and available for year round use.
This in itself is not a deal breaker although the Vikings have stated publicly there desire for an outdoor stadium and willingness to pay around 1/3 the cost of that facility. The problem is the extra burden it creates trying to find a funding mechanism to include the extra cost and negotiating with the Vikings regarding the additional cost as well.
Overall the last few weeks things have progressed quite nicely on the stadium front. There are several sites now under consideration including the current metrodome site, a site near Target Field, one in Brooklyn Center, and finally in Arden Hills at the former home of the Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant. The Arden Hills site appears to have the most traction to this point as it also has local partners in the Ramsey County Board & Arden Hills City Council. Both of which passed resolutions in support of studying the Vikings proposal with all available options including risks and benefits to the local community.
That brings us to where we sit today with no clear funding mechanism, although many options are currently available. Most, if not all, of the opposition to a new Vikings Stadium focuses on not using general fund money and not imposing new taxes. In addition the state of Minnesota is currently facing tough budget decisions for the next 2 years. Complicating things even further is the lack of a current CBA in the NFL which addresses the availabilty of G-3 funding for new stadiums. This is significant as the New Meadowlands in NY which hosts both the Jets & Giants was funded in part by G-3 funds under the old CBA. Each team received a reported $150 million towards the facility from this fund.
Many reports have CBA negotations going better than anticipated with a deal possible within the week. This could be vital to negotiations for a Vikings Stadium Solution. If included in the new CBA, continuation of the G-3 program and additional contributions from Viking ownership puts the situation on solid ground. Once the status of G-3 funds is established expect things to move quickly. Additional funding would most likely come from user fees including ticket taxes, parking taxes, sales taxes within the new venue and a sports memorabilia sales tax. A hospitality or stadium district tax has also been discussed as well as a Racino which would reportedly create $100 million per year in revenue for the state. Stay tuned in the coming weeks as the situation will be heating up.
To show your support for a stadium solution and a peoples stadium more information is available at:
Http://www.minnesotamomentum.com
OR
Http://www.savethevikes.org
SIGN UP NOW!! SKOL VIKES!!
This in itself is not a deal breaker although the Vikings have stated publicly there desire for an outdoor stadium and willingness to pay around 1/3 the cost of that facility. The problem is the extra burden it creates trying to find a funding mechanism to include the extra cost and negotiating with the Vikings regarding the additional cost as well.
Overall the last few weeks things have progressed quite nicely on the stadium front. There are several sites now under consideration including the current metrodome site, a site near Target Field, one in Brooklyn Center, and finally in Arden Hills at the former home of the Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant. The Arden Hills site appears to have the most traction to this point as it also has local partners in the Ramsey County Board & Arden Hills City Council. Both of which passed resolutions in support of studying the Vikings proposal with all available options including risks and benefits to the local community.
That brings us to where we sit today with no clear funding mechanism, although many options are currently available. Most, if not all, of the opposition to a new Vikings Stadium focuses on not using general fund money and not imposing new taxes. In addition the state of Minnesota is currently facing tough budget decisions for the next 2 years. Complicating things even further is the lack of a current CBA in the NFL which addresses the availabilty of G-3 funding for new stadiums. This is significant as the New Meadowlands in NY which hosts both the Jets & Giants was funded in part by G-3 funds under the old CBA. Each team received a reported $150 million towards the facility from this fund.
Many reports have CBA negotations going better than anticipated with a deal possible within the week. This could be vital to negotiations for a Vikings Stadium Solution. If included in the new CBA, continuation of the G-3 program and additional contributions from Viking ownership puts the situation on solid ground. Once the status of G-3 funds is established expect things to move quickly. Additional funding would most likely come from user fees including ticket taxes, parking taxes, sales taxes within the new venue and a sports memorabilia sales tax. A hospitality or stadium district tax has also been discussed as well as a Racino which would reportedly create $100 million per year in revenue for the state. Stay tuned in the coming weeks as the situation will be heating up.
To show your support for a stadium solution and a peoples stadium more information is available at:
Http://www.minnesotamomentum.com
OR
Http://www.savethevikes.org
SIGN UP NOW!! SKOL VIKES!!
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