May 19, 2010

Vikings on stadium bill: Wait till next year!

With the Minnesota legislative session having rolled to a close on Sunday night, the Vikings have thrown in the towel on getting a stadium bill this year — something their lobbyists could have told them weeks ago, but whatever.

Not to be deterred, the Vikings owners promptly set their sights on 2011:

The Vikings organization is extremely disappointed that the Governor and State Legislature did not move the stadium issue forward this year. While we greatly respect the challenges and priorities faced by the State of Minnesota, resolution of this issue has now been pushed to the final year of the lease. This lack of action will only increase the costs of the project for everyone, plus we missed the opportunity to put thousands of Minnesotans back to work.

Added the team press statement: "This solution must be finalized in the 2011 Session." Or, you know, else.

That's going to be tricky, though, what with the state facing an expected $6 billion deficit next budget season. Not to mention that the NFL will likely be preparing to lock out its players for the 2011 season, which is never a good way to get fans clamoring to throw stadium money your way.