Pawlenty wants Vikings and Metrodome operators to get along
Gov. Tim Pawlenty says the Minnesota Vikings and the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission need to maintain a good relationship.
Vikings officials got upset with the commission last week for proposing to extend their Metrodome lease by two more years, when the team wants a new stadium. Pawlenty told reporters today that the dustup resulted in some unfortunate comments.
"They are tenant and landlord so to speak," Pawlenty said. "But pretty soon the sports facilities commission is going to be transcended because the Vikings are going to need to make other arrangements. And so we need to make sure the relationship is positive."
Pawlenty offered no prediction about the chances of a Vikings stadium bill advancing in the 2010 Legislative session. With the economy still struggling, he said state budget matters will have to come first.
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