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
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.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
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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