Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Tim Nelson
St. Paul, Minn.

Vikings hope stadium deal can be reached soon

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

The Minnesota Vikings officials say they're increasingly hopeful that they can work out a stadium deal with lawmakers this session.

Team Vice President Lester Bagley said the team is trying to put together a patchwork of revenue sources. That could include memorabilia taxes, a special lottery game and a hospitality tax.

"We need about $40 million a year over 30 years to pay for a facility, and we're trying to put together the package that makes the most sense for Minnesota," Bagley said.

The State Legislature is wrestling with a nearly $1 billion budget deficit, and public opinion polls have been running strongly against public funding for another sports stadium.

Bagley said the state's massive budget deficit is a hurdle, but noted that low interest rates, construction costs and the opportunity to create jobs are good incentives to push the project forward.

"So there is a reason, and this is the time to move it forward," Bagley said.

The Vikings lease on the Metrodome runs out at the end of the 2011 season. Gov. Tim Pawlenty has said it's unlikely he'll propose a plan for a new Vikings stadium, and DFL leaders have said it's not a pressing issue.