Minnesota Governer Threatens To Undo Vikings Stadium Deal

Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton Tuesday wrote a stern letter to the Minnesota Vikings' owners threatening to undo the stadium deal if they pass on the building costs to fans, Rachel E. Stassen-Berger of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports. "The project's strong support came from many regular Minnesotans, not just rich Minnesotans, because they believed the Vikings are also their team. If a new stadium were to betray that trust, it would be better that it not be built," he wrote. Dayton is talking about the Vikings potentially using Stadium Builders Licenses to pay for part or all of the cost of the stadium the team will incur, the fee, which would probably be a one-time payment, would be paid on top of the cost of a season ticket. Vikings vice president Lester Bagley said the team's survey is part of a "broader market study" involving stadium amenities and products, he said it was sent to season-ticket holders, sponsors and fans who bought premium or club seats or suites in an attempt to evaluate the market. He said the Vikings have made "no decision" on whether to sell licenses and have established no "price points" on license costs. But, he added, with $477 million owed, the team is looking at "all avenues" for construction financing. "We are evaluating the option and taking a hard look at it," Bagley said. He declined to make the survey available, saying it was proprietary. Source: The Redzone Attached Thumbnails