A second potential ownership group for an NFL team in Los Angeles has contacted the Vikings, according to Lester Bagley. The Vikings’ vice president of public affairs and new stadium development leader talked with Sports Headliners yesterday.
The latest L.A. contact came recently from Anschutz Entertainment Group and its president Tim Leiweke. AEG is a huge player in the Los Angeles sports and entertainment scene with ownership of the Los Angeles Kings, Staples Center and other entities. Leiweke is the former marketing whiz with the Timberwolves who helped the franchise set attendance records years ago.
Bagley said the Vikings “are committed to resolving this issue in Minnesota.” He acknowledged that the Vikings, whose lease at Mall of America Field expires after next season, are being watched with interest by AEG and another Los Angeles group headed by real estate developer Ed Roski.
The Vikings leadership two years ago toured the L.A. LIVE entertainment complex to learn what might be applicable to a sports and entertainment district in Minneapolis, so they are familiar with Leiweke. “Recently, Tim checked in with (Vikings) ownership to see where we stood and (to) express an interest, and let them know they’re serious. That they believe they have a viable proposal, and they’re trying to move stadium construction forward in Los Angeles,” Bagley said.
It’s accepted fact that Los Angeles will have an NFL team in the near future and Bagley said two teams are possible. The huge Los Angeles market is important to the NFL and potential ownership could tap into an area that boasts companies and individuals able to spend millions on advertising, sponsorships, suites, radio-TV rights, stadium personal seat licenses and tickets.
Although there is not presently an NFL-ready stadium in Los Angeles, it’s possible a potential ownership group will build a stadium without a commitment from a team. That stadium might be privately funded, avoiding the fight for public support.
Bagley said he thinks there is a commitment from Minnesota political leaders to develop legislation for a stadium and despite “overtures” from Los Angeles the Vikings ownership remains committed here. During the last legislative session the Vikings were told to identify a specific “ideal” stadium site with costs, budget and “hopefully” some funding options.
Bagley said three “urban” sites and one suburban site are being considered, although he chose not to identify them. One site is certainly the Mall of America Field which he acknowledged as being cost efficient.
It’s highly likely the stadium will have a fixed roof, according to Bagley. An open-air stadium is too limited for multipurpose use and not appropriate for certain community activities or high profile attractions like a Super Bowl or Final Four.
He said a retractable roof stadium costs $50 to $70 million more than a fixed roof facility. While not disclosing a stadium cost, Bagley said the new venue can’t be done on the cheap but also will not be extravagant.