Vikings moving to 'burbs under deal to build $1.1 billion stadium
The owners of the Minnesota Vikings said yesterday that the team's future is in the suburbs, announcing a deal with Ramsey County to collaborate on a $1.1 billion, retractable-roof stadium in Arden Hills, about 10 miles north of their current home at the Metrodome in downtown Minneapolis.
The owners of the Minnesota Vikings said yesterday that the team's future is in the suburbs, announcing a deal with Ramsey County to collaborate on a $1.1 billion, retractable-roof stadium in Arden Hills, about 10 miles north of their current home at the Metrodome in downtown Minneapolis.
The deal appeared to end the debate over the where to put a new stadium, at least from the team's perspective. But how to fund the facility remains a major question.
The plan calls for a new stadium at the site of a former Army ammunitions plant. It proposes an $884 million stadium and an additional $173 million for on-site infrastructure, parking and environmental cleanup. The stadium would open in spring 2015.
The necessary third leg of the funding stool, a proposed $300 million from the state of Minnesota, plus another $100 million in transportation improvements in the area, was in question after a key lawmaker called the transportation money a "non-starter."
State Sen. Julie Rosen, the chief Senate sponsor of the stadium legislation, said there was no way she could get colleagues in the Legislature to support a state commitment of more than $300 million, and she pointed out that the state estimates transportation upgrades will cost at least $175 million.
The Vikings have been pressing for a new stadium for years, but the push took on new urgency after the Metrodome roof collapsed under the weight of a December snowstorm and as the team plays out the final season of its lease.
Noteworthy
* Eight-time All-Pro guard Alan Faneca announced his retirement at 34. The former Steeler and Jet played last season with the Arizona Cardinals.
* Baltimore linebacker Sergio Kindle pleaded guilty to drunken driving in Ellicott City, Md., apologized to a judge and avoided jail.
* Former Raiders defensive end Anthony Wayne Smith pleaded not guilty to murder in the 2008 beating and shooting death of a man in Lancaster, Calif.
* A lawyer for defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth entered a not-guilty plea on his behalf to a charge of sexual abuse during an arraignment hearing in Superior Court in Washington.