Author: David Shama

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.

At its monthly meeting tomorrow the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission will hear results of the Metrodome Next study announcing new stadium costs and design, plus a proposed stadium schedule.  The announcement follows 18 months of study by two companies, HKS, Inc. and Mortenson Construction.

An MSFC spokesman told Sports Headliners the report will have a reduced stadium cost from the $950 million that’s been used in the past but he didn’t offer a figure.  He said the retractable roof stadium will be “state of the art,” comparing favorably with other new NFL facilities.  With a nod to the environment, he said it will also be the “greenest” in the NFL.  The facility will be located on the Metrodome site.

A Vikings spokesman said neither team executives nor ownership will attend the meeting tomorrow.  Vikings leaders aren’t happy about a commission resolution that in exchange for extending the Metrodome lease by two years the Vikings would receive reduced stadium expenses for playoff games.

The Vikings (11-2) can clinch their second consecutive NFC North championship on Sunday night in Carolina but the team has the ultimate prize in mind.  “You gotta go win every single game because our goal is not just to make the Super Bowl but to win the Super Bowl,” defensive end Brian Robison told Sports Headliners.

On Sunday night quarterback Brett Favre can become the Vikings record holder for the most 100+ rated games in a single season.  Favre has eight games this season with a 100+ rating (tied all-time with Daunte Culpepper).

Near the end of Sunday’s 30-10 win over Cincinnati, defensive tackle Pat Williams, 37, and quarterback Brett Favre, 40, were having a good laugh on the sidelines.  Williams said the two were talking about how the Vikings had returned to playing “smash mouth” football after a loss to Arizona last week.  “We were just laughing about it,” Williams said. “Like a couple old guys do.”

Vikings defensive tackle Jared Allen said that even a win late in the season (game No. 13) builds team confidence.  “Absolutely,” he said. “This is just how we expect to play.  Our expectations are high.  You always build confidence with every win.”

Linebacker Ben Leber, who has been with the Vikings since the 2006 season and was on a playoff team in San Diego before that, was asked if this is the best Vikings team he has played for.  “Certainly,” he answered.  “It’s probably the best team I’ve played on in my career both (in) San Diego and here.  It’s just the way these guys’ attitude is during the week and on game day.  The way we can go out and perform.  It’s a heck of a fun…team to play on.”

Rob Neyer of ESPN.com named his top 100 baseball players of this decade and ranked Joe Mauer No. 40.  Former Twins Johan Santana, David Ortiz, Torii Hunter, Corey Koskie, Brad Radke and Kenny Rogers ranked No. 10, 53, 70 , 92, 93 and 99 respectively.  https://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/columns/story?id=4740695

Former Wild coach Jacques Lemaire’s New Jersey team is No. 1 in the ESPN.com power rankings. https://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/powerranking

Gophers forward Jordan Schroeder is one of 29 players expected at the U.S. World Junior’s preliminary camp that starts tomorrow and lasts through Saturday in Grand Forks.  The camp will help determine who makes the U.S. squad for the International Ice Hockey Federation World Junior Championships to be held December 26-January 5 in Canada.

If Schroeder makes the team, he would become the first Minnesota player to participate in three World Junior Championships.  Schroeder is already the U.S. all-time assists leader with 15.  He led the U.S. team in scoring and ranked third overall in the tournament last year with three goals and eight assists for 11 points.  He led all tournament players with seven assists.  The U.S. finished fourth last year.

The Gophers play Iowa State in the December 31 Insight Bowl in Tempe, Arizona and Creative Charters of Stillwater has information on a travel package.  https://www.creativecharter.com/

The Iowa State football roster on the school Website lists only four Minnesotans, sophomore tight end Carter Bykowski from Eden Prairie, freshman offensive lineman Taimon Moran-Hoyne of Bloomington Jefferson, junior wide receiver Jason Carlson from Robbinsdale Armstrong, and junior running back Alexander Robinson of DeLaSalle.  Robinson rushed for 1,095 yards and was one of the most productive runners in the Big 12 this season.

The book GOPHER GLORY: The Pride of the Maroon & Gold will be promoted at Rosedale Center in Roseville on Saturday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.  The event will include the book’s author, ex-Gopher Jim Bruton, plus other former Gophers.  Bruton and others will be available to sign copies of the book, on sale for $20.  All proceeds benefit the “M” Club Scholarship Fund at the University.

Minnesota-Duluth, national champions in 2008, finished No. 5 in the American Football Coaches Association Division II Coaches poll.  Minnesota State, Mankato was No. 12.