New chair joins U.S. Bank Stadium board, new CEO appointed

Updated: 5:50 p.m. | Posted: 1:00 p.m.

The incoming chair of the agency that runs U.S. Bank Stadium urged state officials to act quickly if they want to restructure the stadium panel.

Kathleen Blatz was named interim chair of the 5-member authority by Gov. Mark Dayton on Thursday. After a Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority meeting Friday, she said that as a former state representative, she knows the legislative process can be time consuming. But Blatz said that with the Super Bowl less than a year away, she hopes new executives can be in place quickly.

"I know Senator [Julie] Rosen," said Blatz, who served with the Republican state legislator on a child abuse prevention task force in 2014. "She, I think, cares a lot about this facility. I know the governor cares about it on behalf of the people, and I think there should be a meeting of the minds. And hopefully, if they pass that bill, let's say by May, I think we could get something in place by June."

The previous chair and CEO resigned last week, after a scandal over use of stadium suites by friends and family of the stadium authority. Lawmakers are promising to abolish the panel and start over.

Blatz's remarks came as the long-time chair of the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority, Michele Kelm-Helgen presided over her last meeting.

"I accepted this assignment 4 1/2 years ago," Kelm-Helgen said. "While this process has not always been easy or perfect, and I take responsibility for my mistakes, I believe we have as a group overall, done good work in the public's interest. We delivered a fully functional, world class stadium for the people of Minnesota."

Kelm-Helgen nominated stadium consultant Jim Farstad to serve as an interim CEO for the stadium. He has worked on information technology and communications matters for the stadium for the last three years.

The previous CEO, Ted Mondale, resigned last week, effective March 1. Authority members voted in favor of offering the job to Farstad, effective immediately, with the provision that Mondale will turn over his signature authority and other responsibilities at the same time. Mondale was not at the MSFA meeting on Friday.

Authority members thanked Kelm-Helgen for her service.

"When I think of your legacy, Michele, we can look on the horizon and look at the skyline of Minneapolis for the next 30 to 50 years," said Tony Sertich, the former DFL legislator recently appointed to the board. "I'm proud of your leadership, you should be proud of your leadership, and from the bottom of my heart, thank you for what you provided."

Blatz will officially take over the gavel next month. The former state Supreme Court chief justice told fellow board members that she'll consult with Kelm-Helgen, and she would reach out to her colleagues to help figure out what they'll discuss in the weeks ahead.

The stadium is preparing to host the Super Bowl in February 2018, and the NCAA Men's Final Four in 2019. The stadium authority is the focus of a restructuring effort by the GOP-led Legislature in St. Paul. A state audit found that MSFA members and their staff invited friends and family into the authority's suite more than 150 times to watch Vikings games, concerts and other events. The state auditor said it wasn't illegal, but could be considered an ethical lapse.

The five-member stadium board will be down one member while discussions continue between Dayton and lawmakers at the Capitol. Three of the five board members are currently appointed by the governor. Minnesota legislators are weighing a bill now that would expand the body to seven members and allow lawmakers to appoint four of those.