According to two Minnesota lawmakers, a Vikings stadium bill will be introduced in the legislature next week. In a letter written to colleagues, Senator Julie Rosen (R-Fairmont) and Representative Morrie Lanning (R-Moorhead) stress the importance of getting a stadium bill done this session.
"Now the time has come to move forward on a bill that offers a framework for achieving a stadium plan for Minnesota," said Rosen and Lanning.
According to the project's outline, a new Vikings stadium would require:
- A stadium with a roof to ensure that it is a multi-purpose facility.
- Users and those who benefit from the stadium to pay for the stadium.
- The Vikings to make a significant contribution and sign a long-term lease.
- Allows a local partner to assemble a finance package with local, user-based revenues (i.e., hospitality, sales and admissions tax).
- Limits the State’s involvement and avoids increases in statewide income or sales taxes and does not use General Fund revenues.
“The Vikings look forward to beginning the public dialogue on this issue," said Lester Bagley, Vikings Vice President of Public Affairs and Stadium Development. “The bill provides a framework to negotiate a deal that will resolve the stadium issue, and we appreciate State leaders’ efforts to bring this forward."
According to the plan, the Vikings would pay roughly one-third of the stadium's cost, which -- with a roof -- is said to have a price tag of nearly $900 million.
The Vikings lease at the Metrodome expires after this year.
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