Q. Why can’t the proposed funding model be a 50 percent contribution by the Vikings instead of about one-third given that the NFL is a cash cow and your ownership will benefit from commercial development around the new stadium, plus the Wilfs are a wealthy family?
A. That argument was made to the Twins. The average private contribution, including in this market with the Twins, was about 30 percent. Hennepin County put in about 70 percent. They’ve (the Twins ownership) grown on the private side as the Twins have made some independent decisions to upgrade. The average throughout the league (NFL) is about one-third (private), particularly in this size market. The Wilf’s expected contribution stands up well both locally and nationally. The other side of it is it’s a publicly owned facility used by the public year round for amateur, high school, college sporting events, (and) tournaments. There’s a community benefit.
Q. How much income per season will the Vikings lose by temporarily playing at the TCF Bank Stadium at the University? Do you expect the public sector to subsidize that income loss?
A. It’s in excess of $15 million annually. It depends a little bit on the market when we get to that point, meaning what can you charge? They have a limited number of seats, club seats, limited revenue streams. It’s (part of) the project cost (temporary less revenues). It has to be calculated. We believe it should b e part of the package. It’s a cost of solving the problem.
Q. But where specifically will the subsidy come from? Would it be considered part of the Vikings’ contribution, or from a dedicated stadium funding like car rental tax monies?
A. I would love to have that conversation with state leaders instead of the media because we’ve been asked that by others, too. Everything we’re doing on the stadium front is about trying to get Zygi to the table with state leaders to answer that. How do you deal with that issue? How do you deal with the roof? How do you deal with the owner contribution? How do you deal with (the) public contribution? And it’s frustrating to be asked to put more in, or address different pieces because we’re doing it in a vacuum. We can’t do it by ourselves. It’s a fair question but it needs to be coming from state leaders in a way that is leading toward a solution.
Q. What’s the Vikings’ strategy for the remainder of the session at the Capitol? Does it include a calculated last minute strategy to avoid less controversy?
A. It’s really not up to us. We’re going to keep coming. We’re going to keep knocking on the door until the clock runs out. We got three years left, 30 games left. We’re going to try to find an opportunity to move the project forward. If we don’t get a stadium done this year, what can we get to transition us to next year to get it done? The jobs study we think is significant and has been well received. We’re running out of time. I think we’re doing okay but this is a tough climate and legislators and the governor have very difficult jobs and we know that. But that can’t keep putting us off because they’re about out of time.
Q. If it comes to that point, when is the party over?
A. The Wilfs are doing everything right. They’re not threatening to move. Zygi doesn’t have the heart to move this team. He’s been around this state and he knows that Viking fans love the Vikings and that they’re Minnesota’s team. But at some point if we don’t solve this issue, I don’t how long they will continue as owners, and that’s the fear. There have been three different ownership groups (that lobbied for a stadium). We’re best positioned with this one. They’re ready to invest but they can’t do it alone, and at some point you have to sit back and let the market work. There are going to be other markets (cities) and other individuals who have the wherewithal. They’re going to want this team.
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