This is an archived version of a Field of Schemes article. Comments on this page are closed. To find the current version of the article with updated comments, click here.
August 19, 2009
If you Favre it, will they build?
Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty says he isn't going to build a new stadium for the VIkings just because they signed Brett Favre. Just in case you were wondering.
Though Pawlenty added, "It's clear that the Metrodome isn't going to serve the Vikings' needs in the intermediate and long term ... it's just going to have to sit on the back burner for a while." So he could still maybe build them a stadium the next time Favre unretires.
"It's clear that the Metrodome isn't going to serve the Vikings' needs..."
What EXACTLY does that mean? What do the Vikings "need" that they aren't getting at the Metrodome?
The politicians and owners of sports teams that constantly extort the public for new stadiums never cease to amaze me...but what is truly disconcerting is that the public is seemingly apathetic most of the time...not voting the bums that saddle them with Millions if not Billions in debt out of office when election time rolls around.
There is PLENTY of evidence that new stadiums do NOT benefit the local economy...yet people believe the lies owners & politicians tell them...
Let's remember, in the case of the Vikings (or any NFL team) that stadium gets potentially (with preseason & postseason games included) at MOST 21 games a year...21!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by Daniel M on August 20, 2009 09:42 AM
How do you get 21? 8 + 2 + 3 = 13
Posted by sm on August 20, 2009 05:34 PM
The Vikings have lobbied to get a replacement to the Dome for years. Problem is, Minnesota taxpayers are all tapped out after building new arenas for the Wild, the Twins, and the Gophers. While those stadium deals were at far too much of an expense to the public, the Twins and Gophers could at least make the case that they could not exist in the Dome and needed their own facilities (building a second downtown arena in St. Paul for the Wild when the Target Center was available is beyond me). The Vikings, however, have given no reason why the Dome doesn't "fit their needs," and the organization - from threats to move to Los Angeles or San Antonio to the infamous "Love Boat" fiasco - has done everything possible to piss off Minnesotans. The fact that the Vikes act as though they're entitled to a new stadium is even more infuriating.
The funny part? The Dome is actually a good investment - Minnesota taxpayers have recouped about $100 million since it's construction - due to its favorable lease deal. It's considered one of the best deals in sports for the public. There's no way in hell Minnesotans would get a deal anywhere close to that if they built a new stadium.
Posted by Ian on August 23, 2009 09:42 PM
sm: Actually, just 12.
Only the conference's best team plays more than one home game, and they get a first-round bye, so they play two playoff games, at the most.
Posted by KingmanIII on August 28, 2009 09:04 AM