Minnesota Vikings Stadium: Will Wednesday Give Us Some Progress?

by Christopher Gates on Jan 18, 2012 5:00 AM CST in Minnesota Vikings Stadium

Hooray, it sounds like we're in for another day of stadium drama. . .only this one sounds like it might actually yield some progress.

With Gov. Mark Dayton perhaps ready to comment on where he wants the new stadium built, legislators have scheduled a six-hour meeting late Wednesday to try to resolve the stadium issue. "Maybe longer," than six hours, joked Sen. Julie Rosen, R-Fairmont, the lead Senate stadium legislation author.

"I’m not sure a final decision will be made [Wednesday], but we are definitely going to make progress," she added. The long-debated project still lacks a site and a public funding proposal, but supporters are pushing to have a plan in place for the Legislature, which convenes Jan. 24.

The Legislative session starts in six days. Boy, it sure would be pretty swell of everyone to stop twiddling their thumbs and get something figured out on this whole thing.

We know that there are certainly enough proposals to choose from, even though we have some prominent business leaders saying that the Linden Avenue site (aka the Basilica) would potentially do more harm than good as far as jobs are concerned. The Vikings remain fairly committed to the Arden Hills site, and when the proposals came in, the Arden Hills proposal clocked in at a whopping 184 pages, while the proposal from Minneapolis came in at. . .four.

Man, it's like the Minneapolis people are under the impression that they don't even have to try. Sadly, that's sort of the impression that I'm under at this point, too. If we do get anything breaking on this story, we'll have it up here as soon as possible.

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Once upon a time, before Al Gore invented this interweb thingy...

…those of us who followed the political moves to build what became the dome knew only what was reported in newspapers, radio & tv.

I never thought I’d live to see this battle over the site locale repeated, but here we are. I’ll be dead by the time the issue can resurface again.

I won’t be around to say I told you so, so I’ll offer this suggestion now: build on a site with enough land so the next stadium, in 30-40 years, can be constructed on the same parcel of land while the old one remains in service.

Minneapolis needs to preserve the Farmers Market or Dome areas so they will have somewhere to build the replacement for Target field in about 2050.

The new facility we are about to build should be constructed on the AH site and arranged in a manner that will accomodate construction of the next facility on the same parcel.

There is enough acreage available to plan ahead so the next generation of Minnesotans don’thaveto repeat this whole scenario yet again. Those who fail to learn from history’s lessons are doomed to repeat their mistakes. As we can all see here, regarding stadia, those mistakes are often quite costly.

To summarize, build this stadium and the next one at the same locale, Arden Hills. It’s a two for one deal. If they don’t, would someone please tell them I told you so.

by Lars in SLP on Jan 18, 2012 6:27 AM CST via mobile reply actions 2 recs

RE: I told you so

I got you.

by skolvikesskol on Jan 18, 2012 8:35 AM CST up reply actions

Thanks!

by Lars in SLP on Jan 18, 2012 9:36 AM CST via mobile up reply actions

could possibly be done at the metrodome site...

my town built a new courthouse. what they did was build it on the existing parking lot, and then once it was done, demolish the old one, and turned that parcel into the parking lot….

if they buy up the Strib property, they could do the same….keep playing in the dome, build the new stadium on the Strib property. once it’s done, raze the dome, make it into parking…..

by michiganpat on Jan 18, 2012 9:58 AM CST up reply actions

If that means the Strib leaves town, never to return, I'm all for it!

by Lars in SLP on Jan 18, 2012 1:04 PM CST up reply actions

Dayton dropped his cards...

… when he said that he wanted to focus on ‘Downtown’. Arden Hills should be commended on their persistence, especially considering the fact that Minneapolis were given an extension before handing in their assignment. Even then, they tried to leave the door open for a second location when they were strictly told to whittle it down to one!

No one has commented on the team’s statement that their current contribution offer may be reduced if Arden Hills in not the chosen site – almost as if everyone else is ignoring this in the hope that it will go away.

Ted Mondale has been far from impartial in his role as stadium advisor, pushing Minneapolis as the location whilst staying near silent about Arden Hills. He also tries to alienate the team by demanding that their lease has been extended by a year due to the Commission’s failure to provide an appropriate location for football to be played (the roof collapsing). Hell, I think he has made more comments about LA not being able to provide a viable location for 2012 than he has mentioned Arden Hills (maybe he’s on the payroll at the Startribune).

The Vikings need to be seen in public with both prospective LA stadium organisers to finally kick Minnesota up the proverbial and get them to start this happening – NOW!.

by blowfishes on Jan 18, 2012 7:56 AM CST reply actions

Minneapolis doesn't have to try hard.

Not if they believe they can sabotage any proposal for a stadium outside Mpls.

That’s been their gameplan so far—why change now?

The governor knows where his votes come from, there are plenty of legislators who will follow suit, and the media will continue carrying water for the Minneapolis-or-bus-to-CA crowd.

by Midnight Rambler on Jan 18, 2012 7:57 AM CST reply actions

An interesting thought...

It seems that everyone at NFL.com has the Rams pencilled in to take Justin Blackmon with the 2nd overall pick in this draft – which is entirely possible if he blows up the combine. They then suggest that the Vikings will sprint to the podium to select Matt Kalil.

Now, why I can see this logic and would be on-board with it, why should the Vikings not look to benefit from this. The Browns don’t need a LT, and it could be argued that the Buccaneers have greater need at CB. So if the Redskins offered the Vikings a solid package to move up to the 3rd pick so they can grab RGIII, then the Vikings could roll the dice and hope that Kalil is available at the Redskins’ original selection – 6th.

My reasoning as to why the Rams won’t trade their pick is as follows:
The Rams seemingly have two players that they are showing interest in – LT Matt Kalil and WR Justin Blackmon – both positions of need for the Vikings. If the Vikings push that they have intense interest in both Kalil and Blackmon – which they should have anyway – then this may prevent the Rams from accepting a deal with the Browns in case the Vikings choose their preferred player.

It could even work out that the Browns offer the Vikings an above the value trade to move up one pick simply to prevent the Redskins from moving ahead of them.

Either way, the Vikings are in a position of strength picking 3rd. Arguably the 2nd and 3rd best prospects in the draft are both at a position of need for the Vikings (you could possibly add Claiborne too as a 4th) and the Rams will be taking a huge risk of losing their preferred player if they allow the Vikings a shot at both by trading the 2nd overall pick with a team wanting RGIII.

by blowfishes on Jan 18, 2012 8:29 AM CST reply actions

Because they're not working in trades.

Its just a mock draft. Although I did see one that factored in a trade, and it was to the Rams. Which is likely where the trade will occur anyway, if one was to happen.

by REVENGE4KLUWE on Jan 18, 2012 9:52 AM CST up reply actions

Then the Vikings...

Still get to select either Kalil or Blackmon. Considering PFT are reporting that the Rans are considering dumping Jason Smith if he doesn’t seriously reduce his salary, the Rams may be showing their hand in wanting Kalil. Do you think they will risk losing him, or selecting one of the other OTs available which possibly would be a reach? It is very doubtful that they will get a quality LT as a freeagent this year…

by blowfishes on Jan 18, 2012 10:55 AM CST via mobile up reply actions

Yeah, it seems like the fix is in for Minneapolis

Which is a shame.

"Go hard. I mean, like relentless. I want a bunch of coaches that coach like their hair’s on fire, and I want a football team that goes for four to six seconds (per play) with relentless effort." OSU Coach Urban Meyer.

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by Ted Glover on Jan 18, 2012 9:04 AM CST reply actions

Will Wednesday Give Us Some Progress? NO

All Minneapolis has given us is ‘window dressing’ in the guise of a 4 pager.
A college professor grading a paper would give them a FAILING grade for lacking substance required for legislature consideration.

Behind the scenes politics thrive in the details that the PUBLIC does not know.

Vikings have ultimate leverage now. It’s a game of brinkmanship going on. Get your popcorn ready.

The ugly facts on Minneapolis financial dependency on $$ generated from the dome (aka Vikings) will show up. If vikings do leave to a nearby location in MN, this revenue will have to be replaced by other means and puts the no-new taxes ‘unable to compromise’ republicans in an politically embarrassing decision of looking at the mirror of ‘truth’ and see the consequences of self-induced arrogance and incompetence to resolve this at some point in the past 10 years. Of course, republicans are ‘blameless’ and will do what they can to shift the blame elsewhere for their own mess. That’s politics for you (in my opinion).

All the public cares about is a stadium is there for the vikings to play in, and most will not even notice the little bit of taxes that go on to make it possible BECAUSE WE GET JACKED AROUND MORE BY CHANGING GAS PRICES AT THE PUMP. (seriously, get THIS in perspective!) I know – i had to make it in LOUD print because it is really silly when considering a half percent this or 2-3% that, in a language public will not understand and have absolutely no choice to pay up for it anyway to get that beverage, football gear, or check out of the hotel. (seriously, have you ever not decided to purchase an item or service because of the taxes on it? I thought so… no This reasoning even extends to buying a car which can have a huge amount of taxes you didn’t initially account for. It’s all about the financing to pay for it, getting the car you want and driving away happy. )

Don’t you find it amazing to see how much the Vikings are willing to play at TCF stadium over 2-3 more years at the Dome. This kind of thinking would have been inconceivable if the Vikings never played there for the historic outdoor game.

Trivia question… who was the viking’s QB(s) which played in the TCF game against the bears?

Vikings in 2012 will be a Wonder-ful year. Seriously!!
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by VikesFanSince1967 on Jan 18, 2012 9:39 AM CST reply actions

Do you REALLY want to go down this road?

by Midnight Rambler on Jan 18, 2012 9:47 AM CST up reply actions

brett's carrer was ended on a sack, and in came j-webb...

by michiganpat on Jan 18, 2012 9:59 AM CST up reply actions

Red Bull Crash Car Parking Extravaganza!

Something to look forward to whenever the Twins and Vikes have games the same day, if both stadiums are on the west side.

Red Bull might provide new revenue by sponsoring the extreme parking contest. Losers get towed directly to the northside scrapyards.

by Lars in SLP on Jan 18, 2012 9:44 AM CST via mobile reply actions

"So? The Arden Hills site sits atop a haunted Indian burial ground! With zombies!"

/Star Tribune’d

by Midnight Rambler on Jan 18, 2012 10:07 AM CST up reply actions

What I don't understand is the

“oh they aren’t going anywhere” attitude.

Really? The Vikings are literally homeless at this point and time and free to negociate with any party wiling to host them. They are the only team in the NFL to claim such status. I’d say it’s pretty stupid harboring that attitude.

by Jepp The Viking on Jan 18, 2012 10:13 AM CST reply actions

Anoka county...

…. was a willing partner a few years ago. Then the Vikings also started talking to Minneapolis which upset Anoka county. Anoka county thought they were being used as leverage for a site elsewhere and took their ball and went home. There’s enough blame to go around in this mess, including the Vikings themselves. So to blame only Minneapolis and the “clueless” politicians is a revisionist view of past events.

by Vrooman on Jan 18, 2012 10:31 AM CST reply actions

Classic Strib Exaggeration

Minneapolis and Ramsey County’s Arden Hills are the supposed front runners for the project, and Dayton received nearly a dozen proposals last week suggesting where to build the project and how to fund it.
Minneapolis City Council President Barb Johnson said late Tuesday that there was no indication which way the governor might be leaning. "I haven’t heard a thing," she said.

Nearly a dozen? There were 9. 75% of a dozen. I’d hardly call that “nearly”. And of those 9, only 3 had any serious funding options. What a load of crap the Strib is. The Governor has 2 (maybe 3, at best) options here, and if you look at this thing politically, Minneapolis has all the cards.

Ponder. Peterson. Percy. Purple Perfection.

by CCNorsemen on Jan 18, 2012 10:47 AM CST reply actions