News that state Senator Dick Day will lead a lobbying effort to allow slot machines at Canterbury Park and Running Aces Harness Park to help fund a new Vikings stadium isn’t enough to convince a stadium expert that this potential revenue source will ultimately be approved. The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, has extensive experience with stadium funding and building, and considerable knowledge of local politics.
Day is resigning from his position in January to lobby for slots and video games at Canterbury Park and Running Aces, a revenue source that reportedly could produce $125 million per year for the state. That money could be dedicated to various state causes ranging from education to a Vikings stadium that might come with a price tag of $900 million or more. The Vikings ownership, along with support from the public sector, is expected to pay for a stadium.
The source said that because of the “Native American gaming lobby, it will be incredibly difficult” to achieve approval by the legislature for expanded gambling. He believes, though, there’s “wide spread public support” for such legislation and that the issue could be put to a referendum.
“There’s a risk to that (the referendum) but a good chance of passing,” the source said. The referendum would specify how funding will be used, including for the proposed new Vikings stadium which is being marketed as a multi-use facility to benefit not only the NFL team but also amateur sports and other activities that serve a public need, plus highly attended events such as motor sports and NCAA basketball tournament games that generate revenues for the local economy.
If a referendum doesn’t pass, it could be “very damaging” to the stadium campaign being made by the Vikings and the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission, according to the source. A defeated referendum could be interpreted as a general rejection of a new stadium and send the wrong message to the Vikings and NFL.
“I doubt this (expansion of gambling) will be their No. 1 play (funding source),” the source said. He believes a metropolitan area tax of some kind is more likely to eventually be approved by the legislature. The tax revenues would be dedicated for more uses than the Vikings stadium.
The source predicts passage of a Vikings stadium bill is much more “realistic” in 2011 than 2010. The stadium campaign, though, is building momentum and he said “never say never” about approval in 2010.
Next year is an election year for legislators and the legislature must face difficult budget decisions. The Vikings’ lease at the Metrodome expires following the 2011 season.