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!!