Rest easy, Vikings fans. The local NFL franchise will have approval by the state legislature for a new stadium by spring of 2011.
After years of following the issue of replacing the Metrodome with a new state-of-the-art pro football facility, and talking with sources, I am convinced Minnesota lawmakers will not say no to the Vikings. While the possible cost of near $1 billion seems extravagant in this era of financial meltdown, I believe the controversial issue is more about politics than it is expense.
I watched when this area said no to better playing facilities for the Minneapolis Lakers and Minnesota North Stars. Eventually both moved to other cities, but there’s no comparison between those franchises and the Vikings whose popularity among sports teams in the state goes beyond anything we’ve ever seen. Local TV viewership of a Vikings game can reach 1 million or more households, with a huge percentage of televisions in this marketplace tuned in. That’s a convincing indication of what the franchise means to people in the metropolitan area. Statewide the Vikings have a huge following, too. It’s a safe guess that following the team is important to between one-third and one-half of adult males ages 25-54 in the state.
For many Minnesotans seeing the Vikings move to another city would be similar to losing our state parks, or placing a ban on hunting and fishing. It’s a cultural disaster if the Vikings franchise moves and high risk politics for legislators who will be held accountable.
It makes for entertaining drama when elected officials express caution and opposition to a new stadium. Some will oppose a stadium no matter what the plan and timing but look for momentum on a bill to continue building between now and the end of the 2011 legislative session. With 2010 being an election year for legislators and the Vikings’ lease at the Metrodome not expiring until the end of 2011, a stadium bill can be put off one more year.
A year from now things will turn serious and action will follow talk. Some type of financing plan like lottery game revenues will be approved, and along with the Vikings’ contribution, be enough to fund a facility. The stadium will have a retractable roof and attract other events beyond Vikings games that will benefit local and state economies.
The stadium will be a source of pride and keep the Vikings here for another 30 years or more. People will wonder why it took so long to get this done and how the financing idea really didn’t seem that difficult (or painful). Many of the politicians will congratulate themselves, and when it comes time for re-election the legislative stadium boosters will not lose an election because they voted for the stadium.
Heavy drama for an inevitable result.