Zygi Wilf said on Monday he’s “not frustrated” with the process for a new stadium and reiterated he’s not threatening to “move the team.” The Vikings’ owner met briefly with the media following a local news conference with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. The new commissioner said he held a “productive” meeting regarding the stadium process earlier in the day with Governor Tim Pawlenty.
“The governor made it clear he understands the Vikings’ need for a new stadium,” Goodell said. While the governor made no commitments, Goodell said Pawlenty “indicated” the Vikings are “up next” in the stadium derby now that new facilities have been approved for the Minnesota Twins and the Gophers.
Goodell stated that the Viking stadium issue is “urgent” but declined to talk about deadlines. “I don’t normally operate on deadlines,” he said.
The Vikings have been dialoguing with state leaders for about 10 years, explaining that the Metrodome doesn’t allow the franchise to generate anywhere near normal NFL revenues. The team’s lease at the dome expires in 2011 but Goodell wouldn’t be drawn into a what-if stadium scenario if nothing is done about a new stadium by that year. He also said the NFL continues to have discussions about returning pro football to the Los Angeles market, long speculated about as a possible home for the Vikings.
While in town Goodell, who became commissioner in August, also met with local business leaders, and Vikings ownership, players and coach Brad Childress.