March 19, 2010

Lobbyist: No Vikes stadium this year; Vikings: La la la la we can't hear you!

A stadium lobbyist for Minneapolis' Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission told the commission and Minnesota Vikings officials not to expect a stadium bill in the legislature this year, given that there won't be much time to pass one between spring break and the end of the session on May 17. "The chances are getting slimmer by the day that there will be any sort of consideration of the Vikings/stadium/commission issue," said lobbyist Bill McGrann.

Vikings stadium honcho Lester Bagley immediately retorted: Nuh uh! "We've been told by all that there will be a discussion this session and that efforts would be made to move it forward to the best of their ability ... to put it in a position to be resolved," maintained Bagley, adding that he'd had "excellent discussions behind the scenes" with state officials. Bagley also indicated that the Metrodome is the "default site" for a new stadium — seemingly an about face from what he said two months ago — but added, "the door is left open for other sites to come forward." All of which sounds like putting a happy face on still not having a clue what will fly in the legislature, or when, but that's Bagley's job, after all.

Bagley also made sure to reiterate the team's non-threat threat to leave once its lease expires after 2011, saying the only way the team would sign a lease extension is if a new stadium deal is in place by then. (If not, presumably the Vikings will take their ball and go play in the driveway.) He added that among the funding sources being considered for a stadium are taxes generated by the Vikings and economic activity around the stadium (read: TIFs), and creating a Vikings-branded state lottery — apparently he can listen to Minnesota Public Radio just like the rest of us.

Sadly, no mention of racinos, which is a shame, as it's always a fun word to type.