vikings/nfl

I totally agree. I'm a sucker for a game "experience," but the friends I traditionally watch games with don't see the point anymore. I'm down to seeing, maybe, one game a year in the stadium, whereas a couple of years ago we'd see 3 or 4. I believe the market will help Zigi come to the right decision, but I don't mind Gov. Dayton calling him out on it, either.

these fans Zigi...are your "bread and butter"...you better treat them a whole lot better than this...typical owner and consumer relationship....I was taught that the "customer" was always right...guess Zigi doesn't think so.

C'mon Ziggy, I know it's getting close to Christmas but this is no time to turn into Ebenezer Scrooge. Be good to the fans who were loyal to you during the stadium debate. You're going to make a ton more than it cost you to invest into this stadium when you decide to sell.

My family has been season ticket holders since 1961. I rarely miss a game. But, the cost of our seats will surely go up in the new stadium. We absolutely cannot afford to pay a seat licensing fee on top of that increase too.

Mr. Souhan, Why didn't you side with the taxpayers who are the victims of the stadium scams perpetrated by both the Wilfs and the Pohlads?

Good column Jimmy, can't add too much to your thoughts except this; I can't belive that this litle addition to the stadium bill didn't get more media and fan attention while the process was still ongoing, but since it didn't and the Wilf's are testing the waters to see if they can get away with it, here is my advice to Zygi. Go for it partner. And then let the already stretched working people/fans give you a little lesson in how the "market" works. Do you think there are that many fans out of the season ticket base that can afford a $5k on up PSL for the "privlege" of being a customer of yours? How will that work for you when the new stadium will be about half to 2/3rds full on game days?? Go ahead, make my day....

The gophers sport teams do the same thing, and they are a public entity. So is the state institution greedy too or is it a double standard by Dayton?

Absolutely right, Mr. Souhan. The deal Zygi got was sweet enough, no more greedy gouging. But I suppose he just can't help himself.

It's easier for baseball fans to show their displeasure when the Twins stink. They play 81 home games, so nobody is too broken up if they miss a weekend series with the Royals in September. But the NFL has a stranglehold on their supporters. Eight games is all you get. And because we love our Vikings, fans will drive in from all over, pay 150 bucks a seat and another 30 to park. They'll put up with rowdy drunks, long lines and crowded bathrooms. They'll get hit up for a couple of worthless exhibition games, too. And while folks at home are headed for the kitchen to get another beer, the loyalists are willing to spend 10 bucks for a warm one at the Dome and wonder what really happened on that last play because they won't show you a replay. I know all of this because I've been there, done that. But seat licensing, too? Sorry, but I suddenly hear the Red Zone Channel calling my name.

Jim.........great column. The average fan isn't going to pay a PSL....the economy only allows them to spend so much on entertainment. Maybe this was discussed during the debates....but Ziggy don't get greedy. There is enough money to be made for the owners and for the general public to be able to afford the go see a game. Don't ruin our ability to go see a game....but remember we can always stay home in the comfort of our home and watch a game. Ziggy....you're just winning us over....but your latest communication to the season ticket holders leaves us with many questions about your character.