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!!