Vikings present case for new stadium to Senate panel

04/27/2007

By Paul Levy,
Star Tribune
April 27, 2007


Warning that this could be the last opportunity to build a climate-controlled stadium with a retractable roof, the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission and the Minnesota Vikings today presented their case for a new stadium to the Senate Taxes Committee.

It was the first step the Vikings have taken to try to get a stadium in downtown Minneapolis approved by the Legislature, although Senate Majority Leader Larry Pogemiller, DFL-Minneapolis, said there is absolutely no chance that a Vikings stadium would be approved this session.

Still, the Vikings and the commission presented their case as one that was urgent, noting the Vikings Metrodome lease expires after the 2011 season.

“This is an issue that’s not going to go away,” said Sen. Tom Bakk, DFL-Cook, chairman of the Senate Taxes Committee.

He said that if a Vikings stadium was not approved this session, “then it will have to be next year.”

Roy Terwilliger, chairman of the Sports Facilities Commission, said the Vikings and the commission were at the capitol today to “start this conversation.”

READ MORE: Click HERE