Vikings set deadline on stadium
The Minnesota Vikings issued a news release that effectively sets a deadline for the Minnesota Legislature to act on a new Vikings stadium. In a news release, the team said a "solution" needs to be done by the end of the 2011 session.
We appeal to our State's leaders to join the bi-partisan group of legislators who have stepped up to work on securing the long-term future of the Vikings in Minnesota. This group of leaders has acknowledged that having an NFL team in Minnesota requires a stadium solution. This solution must be finalized in the 2011 Session.
The Minnesota Vikings want to thank the tens of thousands of Vikings fans for their tremendous support for a new stadium. We appreciate the army of fans who stand with us at this watershed moment for the future of the franchise in Minnesota.
The release comes just hours after DFL Senate Majority Leader Larry Pogemiller told reporters that the Vikings stadium has to get done next year.
"The Vikings issue will have to be resolved next year and I believe a new governor will be willing to make those hard decisions. We'll get that done next year, I would presume."
The Vikings Metrodome lease expires at the end of the 2011 season. A bill that relied on taxpayer funds for a new football stadium didn't survive committee hearings at the Capitol during the session.
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