Vikes to Minneapolis: Don't forget an extra $67 million cost for dome site
As Minneapolis and Ramsey County work to finish up Viking stadium proposals by Gov. Mark Dayton's Thursday deadline, the Vikings are reminding Minneapolis officials about several problems with the city's proposed sites.
A letter released this morning from team president Mark Wilf to Mayor R.T. Rybak and Council President Barb Johnson says the team still considers Arden Hills to be the "ideal stadium location," but is willing to offer suggestions because because state leaders have asked them to help Minneapolis with its site analysis.
Apparently worried that Minneapolis isn't on the ball on this issue, Wilf wrote:
"It is imperative that your analysis of Minneapolis stadium sites include all costs associated with each site."
If a new stadium is put on the dome site, he says, the Vikings would have to play three seasons at the University of Minnesota's new football stadium during construction.
The team estimates it would earn $12.3 million less in revenues per year at the U's stadium than it would make at the Metrodome, because of space limitations, sponsorships and fan amenities.
And $11 million in improvements would be needed at the U's stadium to meet "minimum NFL requirements."
And at a new stadium on the dome site, the team says it would require "2,500 parking places on-site or immediately adjacent to the stadium" for its "premium customers." That will add $19 million to a dome site stadium, the team reminds the city.
"In addition to these cost considerations [the above-listed additional $67 million], the Vikings have concerns about the significant disruptions to our football team, our fans, and our sponsors and partners, as well as the potential challenges created for the University of Minnesota neighborhoods, during the three-year period when we would have to play our games at TCF Bank Stadium."
The team obviously don't think much of the dome site, but Wilf notes: "While the Metrodome site could be workable, it is imperative that the issues identified above are addressed as you develop your proposal for a Minneapolis solution."
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Comments (2)
I am most certain that Zygi will of course also lobby on behalf of his fellow entrepreneurs on University Avenue--and Governor Mark Dayton will readily agree--for similar financial assistance due to business interruption while light rail is constructed in front of their businesses. After all, what's the difference between the two situations? Or perhaps Zygi should be treated as the University Avenue merchants have been with lots of tea and sympathy.
Any disruption could easily be avoided if Mr. Wilf just paid one dollar and took the Dome "as is." In terms of the longevity of modern buildings, it seems nonsensical to consider for a minute tearing down a building because it does not have what the Vikings consider to be sufficient parking for those fans who use the high-dollar suites. That's why we built light rail to serve the Dome instead of more parking.
Staying at the "as is" Dome avoid disruption to the Vikings' schedule as well as to the University's students and neighbors.
By the way, I believe Mr. W. is still refusing to open his books to prove his great need for public money. I wonder why.