state + local

Yet another stadium plan negotiated by elected officials tone deaf to the interests of the people who elected them. If the plan requires more than $10 million from Minneapolis, it's required to go to a referendum where Minneapolis voters will decide if it's in their best interests or not. If the plan really involves diverting $330 million of city tax revenues to Zygi Wilf, there is no way it would pass.

What a dirty rotten disgrace. Arden Hills deserves to be the site, and the fans want Arden Hills. Hang tough, Minneapolis city council, and reject this abomination.

This is still a long shot at best. The city council won't vote for it, and even if they do, the House won't bring it up. They are too afraid to vote on this before the election. The funny thing is, this decision will likely give democrats control once again, and a non-election year in which to take the vote. The republicans are in a box. Maybe they should make it a constitutional amendment.

'Bout time, hope they're serious. I'm a realist. A stadium deal will happen (see earlier: Xcel Energy Center, Target Center, Target Field, the Original Metrodome...). In 1979 (?), I wrote a letter to the editor stating that I thought they shouldn't build the Dome and should "recycle" Metropolitan Field. I now believe that state government funding of professional sports teams is inevitable and worthwhile. Do you really want to see the Twins in the Metrodome? Or the Gophers? Or the LA Vikings? Please. We need to accept that Government funds private industry on a regular basis, whether it be solar projects, the oil/gas industry, the automakers, the defense companies, etc. Want to stop it? Try.

I still think that the Metrodome -- right next door to the proposed site -- could be upgraded for much LESS money. NO new stadium is really needed. I wonder if Zygi "Guy" has thought about that. If not, then let him pay 100% of the cost of this new dump by himself!

No one has approved any plan so this press conference is yet another waste of time. Let me guess, the 51% majority vikings owner Zygi Wilf loves the deal because it does not require him to pay for the entire stadium cost that he will be using 10 days a year but wants ALL the naming rights revenue and concessions. ANY deal that is approved by Wilf, a.k.a. the New Jersey extortionist, is certainly going to a great deal for him and a bad deal for every single resident and taxpayer in Minnesota.

"it became clear that the financing plans set forth by Ramsey County for a Vikings stadium in Arden Hills weren’t viable." = they didn't give Wilf the profits he demanded. The Minneapolis City Council should stand tall against this Wilfare and insist on the referendum that the city charter requires. If the Vikings don't want a referendum, let them build in Arden Hills or in Blaine. And send Rybak into the desert as soon as we have the chance, he is selling us out.

About time.

I live in Ramsey County and am relieved that I won't be forced to pay for a Vikings stadum. Anyway, Minneapolis as the stadium site was in the cards all along. It's an issue that shouldn't even be considered in these austere times by any responsible state and local budgetary authority. Zygi Wilf should hold some bake sales and raise cash that way.

Already I feel the shackles tightly chaining my wrists as more money is diverted to Mr. Wilf and his "Make the people of Minnesota pay or I'll pout" theatrics. Thanks, Mr. Rybak; thanks a bunch.