Why do the Minnesota Vikings need a new stadium?
The Vikings’ lease with the Metrodome will expire in 2011. The push for a new facility after this expiration originally came more than 10 years ago from the team’s then-owner, Red McCombs, and the proposal has been in search of public support ever since. In particular, the Vikings have long griped about the low revenue the Metrodome brings in, which is in large part due to the high rent of the facility and the sharing of revenues with the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission.
Will the Minnesota Vikings request funding from the Legislature?
It’s likely the Vikings will submit a proposal to the Legislature this session requesting funding for a stadium, although legislators so far seem skeptical of approving a stadium plan. How much the Vikings will ask for, exactly, is still to be determined, but spending on the new stadium will likely reach close to $1 billion.
Will the Vikings pitch in if the Legislature approves funding?
Team owner Zygi Wilf has said the Vikings will donate $250 million to a new stadium, which is far from covering the nearly $1 billion projected cost.
Is there a possibility the Vikings will relocate to another state?
The Vikings under Zygi Wilf’s ownership have repeatedly said they plan to stay in Minnesota, but rumors of a potential move to Los Angeles they fail to secure funding for a new stadium have been floating around for years.
Is it possible for the Vikings to share a stadium with the Gophers?
The idea of the Vikings sharing a stadium with the Gophers was originally proposed by former state House majority leader Dean Johnson. But despite what seemed like a genuine invitation by University of Minnesota President Bob Bruininks if it meant keeping the team in Minnesota, the Vikings communication staff has made it clear that they do not see it as viable. Vikings representatives have cited insufficient revenue potential and undesirable on- and near-site amenities as reasons that the shared use would not work.
Introduction | Twins: Target Field
Gophers: TCF Bank Stadium | Vikings: To be determined
Andy Mannix is a journalism and English student at the University of Minnesota. He has written for TIME.com, City Pages and the Minnesota Daily.
