Home  (Related)  | |Politics  (Related) 

 Vikings, Sports Commission present case for new stadium to Senate panel

 By Paul Levy,  Star Tribune

 Last update: April 27, 2007 – 11:14 AM

Print this story  (Related) 
E-mail this story  (Related) 
Save to del.icio.us  (Related) 
Share on newsvine  (Related) 
Share on Digg  (Related) 
 Related Content
Disputes and delays don't hold back Twins ballpark plan  (Related) 
 More from Politics  (Related) 
Vikings, Sports Commission present case for new stadium to Senate panel  (Related) 
Pawlenty fills Hennepin County judicial vacancies  (Related) 
Democratic hopefuls polite, cautious in first debate  (Related) 
House backs statewide smoking ban  (Related) 
DFL rift exposed in fight between AG's office, union  (Related) 
 

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 thats 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.



 Among the notable points of discussion concerning the $954 million proposed stadium was the suggestion of a stop on the Hiawatha Light Rail line to be used specifically for tailgating before Vikings games.



 In spite of the positive reception the commission and Vikings received today, it was Sen. Warren Limmer, R-Maple Grove, who asked the $954 million question. What are we going to hook the taxpayers on this time?



 Limmer noted the Vikings and commission do not have a financial partner yet yet willing to pay for the stadium. Limmer, who deals in real estate, said it would be a waste of time for me to try to sell property to a buyer without knowing the buyers financial situation.



 While the Tax Committee did not make any decision today, Bakk said first we have to decide if we want to do something.



 The Vikings hope to present their case next before the House Taxes Committee. A day has not yet been set.