It’s now Mall of America Field at the Metrodome.
The Minnesota Vikings and Mall of America announced today a partnership for the naming rights to the field at the Dome — just the field. To change the name of the stadium would take a legislative act.
No financial details of the deal were announced. The agreement runs through the end of the 2011 season, when the Vikings’ lease expires at the Dome. You’ll begin to see signs instantly at the Dome touting this partnership.
The announcement comes as the Vikings seek more stadium revenues at the Dome and as their efforts to get a new stadium kick off at the Legislature today.
So, here’s a random and wild thought brought about by this partnership: MOA wants to expand, and the Vikings want a new stadium. Why not kill two birds with one stone and create a completely unique venue with a pro football stadium INSIDE the mega mall?
Think about it… The MOA already has the infrastructure and transit connections that makes the Vikings want to rebuild at the Dome site, the mall and all the restaurants and bars inside would have a huge boost on game day, and the stadium could prove to be a unique attraction on non-game days. Plus, it would be sort of coming full circle with the Vikes heading back to where their old stomping grounds were. It would definitely have to be enclosed if it were surrounded by the mall, or it could have that retractable roof if it were on the north end of the site, pointed at the Minneapolis skyline. I haven’t looked at the size of the empty lot where the MOA wants to expand yet, but it seems like a good match.
This sets an interesting precedent. How long before they auction off the rights to the goalpost? …”Ryan Longwell kicks a 50-yarder through the Caribou Coffee uprights”.
Just to add to my comment, a hastily done superimposition of the Metrodome onto the parking lot where the MOA wants to expand. It seems to fit, and with plenty of space to put a ring of shopping around it.
http://www.kilanowski.us/domemoa.jpg
When I first heard that the Dome was renamed for the Mall of America, I was steamed. Then I read your article. It made me think. I would not be too upset if they renamed the entire edifice, and rename a major street for Humphrey. Say Washington Ave N and S? Or Hennepin, or University Ave, within Minneapolis borders.