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