Vikings Stadium Deal Reached

[JIvers]

This story just showed up on the Star-Tribune HSOforum. startribune.com/stories/510/5623291.html

Last update: September 19, 2005 at 3:05 PM

Vikings, Anoka County reach stadium deal

Kevin Seifert, Star Tribune

September 19, 2005 STADIUM0919.OL

The Vikings will announce tomorrow an agreement to build a $675 million stadium and related development in Anoka County.

A press conference has been scheduled for 10 a.m. Tuesday in Blaine, near the site where new owner Zygi Wilf plans to build the structure with a retractable roof, a Vikings team official said.

Wilf and the NFL plan to combine on a $250 million contribution, while Anoka County will provide $240 million through a county-wide sales tax.

The Vikings and Anoka County will ask the state for the nearly $200 million in infrastructure costs.

"We've been working around the clock and we are just putting the finishing touches on the agreement," Vikings executive Lester Bagley said today.

While he wouldn't detail the entire agreement, Bagley said it calls for a retractable roof football stadium as part of a broader development project. The county would seek permission from the state Legislature to enact a 0.75 percent sales tax to help pay for construction.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

[toughguy]

Sounds like they are going with a retractable roof. That sucks. No grass, no Minnesota cold advantage. I'm pro stadium but if we don't get grass and that outdoor feel that can't be reached with a retractable roof then we might as well keep the HHH dome. I can do without hosting a superbowl or final 4 every 15 years. Do you think the pack would ever put a roof on Lambau or the bears a roof on soldier? We are from Minnesota.... we can handle the cold. All domes should be outlawed! If we are going to build these things lets build them right. That way we won't be in this situation again in 20 years. My $.02

[buzzsaw]

I don't like to be negative but here's what I believe will happen to that deal.

[mudman]

yeah I will believe it when I see it!

With a retractable roof we can still have grass, leave it open the majority of the time and just close it for concerts, and other money generating events so that they will be held at the scheduled times with no cancelations.

Maybe, I don't know for sure?

[mnvikingsfreak]

I agree with toughguy domes are a joke but its a sign of the times its all about making more money with a super bowl and monster truck shows not tradition of an outdoor stadium games against Tampa and Miami in January when its -15 doesn't get any better than that being a season ticket owner we all should have a right to voice our options I wont mind sitting in the cold and rain its a part of football!

[fishyguy]

I don't think the choice of tops on the statium will be up to the fans. It will be decided on how to make the most money back. The County, State and Ziggy are not going to do this to bring back Bud Grant era football but are doing this to make a economic difference for each. Ziggy to line his already deep pockets and the gov't entities to pay themselves back and increase the tax base. If a retractable roof is the best fit for that, then that is what we will get. For better or worse.

[bucketmouth64]

I am all for a new stadium for all the teams that are in need of one. We are priviliged to have all the major sports in the state. Can you imagine if all of them left(except gophers)because the majority of citizens said no to stadiums? These bring in millions of revenue to the state, creates jobs, and surrounding areas property values increase. Sure the threat of teams leaving have come and gone, but all it takes is an owner to say see ya. We tried to ask for a stadium, but MN's and politicians said no. Then what happens? Politicians and citizens scramble to try and save the team. Then if we lose one we will cry out to have another one brought in. The Colt's are getting a new stadium and that market is smaller than ours. Citizens are paying for it. We all benefit from these teams one way or another. We helped out Northwest with millions and now they declare bankruptcy and there is a chance the state won't get the money back anytime soon. Stadiums are different and the state won't have to worry about not getting their return on investment back. This all goes back to the quality of life in Mn. It is one of the best in the country with all it has to offer naturally, culturally, and entertainment.

[SledNeck]

Retractable roof sounds good to me.

[Rick]

The beauty of a retractable roof is the possibility it would be opened in December for Miami, Tampa, Dallas or any team the weather and conditions give us an advantage over. It can be closed when it's to the Vikes advantage to do so.

[buzzsaw]

I just hope it gets done this time. It's too bad NWA can't manage thier affairs better!

[Down to Earth]

From the article I read today in the Star Tribue, Wilf wants an open air stadium, while it was Anoka County who wanted the closed roof option. I'm guessing they want to be able to use it for other events during the off season that would require some sort of roofing.