Build a New Stadium for the Vikings? it Might Happen!

The Metrodome in Minneapolis, Minn. needs either a roof repair or a new roof because the present roof collapsed in mid-December, 2010. A new roof could cost $15 million dollars. A decision on which option to follow will come soon - insurance is expected to cover the cost of a roof repair.

The Vikings 30-yr lease carries the team through the 2011 season. Whether or not the Vikings' team owners will renew a lease is probably dependent on what will happen with the stadium issue.

Whether or not public money should be used to finance a new stadium for the Vikings is a hot button issue. The state is under economic stress; the legislature has to close a $6.25 billion projected funding shortfall in the next state budget.

According to an article recently published on twincities.com, Ted Mondale, who heads the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission, had this to say about funding a new stadium:

"Addressing a state Senate committee Wednesday, Mondale restated [Governor] Dayton's support for a new stadium paid for with some taxpayer funds - as long as its operations are supported by "user fees," the team pays for a fair share and the venue could be called a "people's stadium."

Elaborating on that last notion, Mondale said, "It would not be looked at as a public subsidy. The public benefit would be more than merely the government contribution."

There is a lot at stake for the state of Minnesota regarding keeping the Vikings in Minnesota or losing the team to another state. I'm for keeping an open mind on the financing even though as a taxpayer in Minnesota I'm always squeamish about any public funding with taxpayer dollars.

I lived near the proposed Arden Hills site for over twenty years and therefore know that area well. The property is begging for development. There is plenty of land for a new stadium as there are 430 acres that will go up for government auction later this year; the stadium, team headquarters and parking needs would take up 230 acres.

This land is the former Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant along Interstate 35W and U.S. 10. It is polluted property not easily developed for residential property and somewhat an eyesore because of vacant buildings. It does not have access to mass transit, but the traffic flow in that area is good, and it would bring business to the east and north Metro areas. Traffic flow in downtown Minneapolis near the Metrodome hasn't been ideal, either.

I've never been enthusiastic about the seating arrangement in the Metrodome, but of course it was built a long time ago and stadium construction has come a long ways since then.

The south Metro already has the Mall of America and Minnesota Zoo sites, so why not give residents living in the north and east metro areas easier access to a new stadium? Events would likely draw more people from the north in the direction of Duluth, from the St. Cloud area, and even the west Metro area; Highways 35W, 10 and 610 could handle more cars to transport people to Arden Hills from those areas of the city and regions of the state. There would also be access to the Arden Hills site from Wisconsin via 694.

The National Sports Center in Blaine, not that far from the proposed Arden Hills site, already accommodates large sporting events and together with a new stadium in Arden Hills that entire metro area would boast quite the venues for sporting events.

I'm not a football fan, but I do recognize that all sports bring a lot of enjoyment and revenue to the residents of a state. Yes, money is tight - the estimated cost of $791 million for a fixed-roof stadium isn't exactly chump change. But I'm glad that the possibility of building a new stadium is being explored, and I like the idea of building it in Arden Hills should a project move forward.

In the meantime, it appears there will be Vikings' preseason games in the Metrodome, one way or the other!

For excellent information on the Arden Hills proposal, see this article posted on twincities.com:
Proposal advances for Vikings stadium on Arden Hills site

The Metrodome Roof Issue: What Happens to the Vikings' 2011 Season?
Metrodome Roof Collapses: Vikings - Giants Game in Limbo

Sources:
Personal opinion of the writer
http://www.twincities.com/ci_17210051