Minnesota Governor Threatens To Ax Plans For New Vikings Stadium
By Josh Sanchez
Aug 30, 2012; Houston, TX, USA; General view of Minnesota Vikings helmet on the field before a game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-US PRESSWIRE
The Minnesota Vikings new stadium could be in danger.
Minnesota governor Mark Dayton sent a threatening letter to Vikings owners Zygi and Mark Wilf saying he would end the project that is creating the Vikings new stadium. Dayton is unhappy with the team’s willingness to play games overseas in London and the idea that some of the team’s contribution toward the stadium costs could be raised by season-ticket holders.
“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,” Governor Dayton wrote, per the Minneapolis Star Tribune.
“This Private contribution is yours, not their. I said this new stadium would be a ‘People’s Stadium,’ not a ‘Rich People’s Stadium.’ I meant it then, and I mean it now.”
The Vikings need to figure this mess out. If they continue to flirt with disaster, they could be relocated to Los Angeles before they know it.
Here is the full letter from Governor Dayton to the Wilf’s: