So, now it seem's that Minneapolis is trying to weasel their way back into things again after claiming no money, as Chris said in the post this morning. While they said no to the Farmers Market area, had really no plan as what to do for the Metrodome site............Well, shazam........just like the Rocky and Bullwinkle Show........Hey Rocky, watch me pull a plan out of my a$$, alot of of things up my sleeve and PRESTO........they have a miracle plan. Why does this just seem to me to be another ploy not to let the Vikings escape and do anything to scuttle someone elses plan like they did a few years ago? Why do I see this as another "filabuster" by Minneapolis and if the Vikings walk away from Ramsey, Minneapolis pulls the "Woops, we really can't do this" crap again?

Oh well, what are the pro's and con's of each site? The Arden Hills site I am personally familiar with as I grew up in Lino Lakes, not far from there, and my Mom actually worked there in the filing area as a kid. Yet, there are advantages to downtown as well, minues the boneheaded politicians. Let's take a look:

Arden Hills Site:

PRO'S:

Open Space allowing development around the stadium

Onsite tailgating

Instant access to 35W

More likely open air stadium for those that want it

Possibility of central location of stadium and front offices if so chosen

CON'S:

No infrastructure

Some reworking of ramps to 35W and surrounding roads

Superfund site which the cost goes to the Fed's to clean up

Not a central location as some stated (Though no one had issues going to Bloomington for 20+ years)

No development so far.

No public transit

Metrodome Site:

PRO'S:

Infrastructure already in place

Public Transit in place

Hotels nearby

Central location

CON'S:

No Tailgating onsite

Lack of development after 30+ years

Limited parking onsite

While some would see the Metrodome site as more beneficial....is it really? Yes, Arden Hills has nothing out there, but because of the open space, there would seem to be more opportunity fro growth not only for the Vikings, but for the area as a whole. No, there is no light rail out there as from what I can gather, but like the rest, I believe that would change. While you have that already downtown, you also have limit space tow work with. As demonstrated by some folks who would love tailgating on stadium grounds. If I was still living there, that would be my preference. Right now, after what they did in the past, I don't trust Minneapolis. If there are other pro's and cons you can see, post them!