Vikings Stadium Debate - Where Are Minnesotas Other Teams?

At a time when the Vikings stadium debate is heating up and the 2011 legislative session winds down (62 days as of 3/23/11), where are the other sports teams in Minnesota? During the 2006 legislative session there were 3 stadium bills on the agenda. Two of those three were worked out in a manner benefiting Minny and the teams in question, the Minnesota Twins and the Minnesota Gophers. One MAJOR reason this was able to be accomplished is the position taken by the Minnesota Vikings at the request of the legislature.

Although the Vikings desire and need for a new stadium was no less important or urgent, the Vikings recognized the importance of those other two teams as assets to the state of Minnesota and our overall quality of life. Therefore at the request of the legislature they tabled their request so that the other two could be completed, which they were that session. The Gophers began play in TCF Bank Stadium in 2009 and the Twins at Target Field in 2010. Both to smashing reviews as to the final product produced for the price, & the convenience and experience for the fans. In fact both are producing higher than expected revenues even with TCF Bank Stadium not allowed to serve alcohol. Both venues have also helped to revitalize the teams and the areas in town where they reside. They have been a huge stimulous in an otherwise down economy.

This brings us back to the Vikings who at the time were promised an opportunity to resolve their situation at a later date. Fast forward to today in 2011 and there still has been no resolution, albeit during one of the worst economies in modern history with many priority issues to address, however we are now at a crossroads due to the continued tabling of this issue. The Vikings lease is up at the conclusion of the 2011 season and they will not renew without their situation being addressed. Additionally the dome collapsed under the weight of a December snowstorm and remains unusable. The Vikings were homeless for 25% of their home games last season and lost huge revenue streams. They were also massively incovenienced and had to relocate to temporary alternate venues, one of which was out of state. On top of this numerous other events were cancelled or relocated as well. Huge revenue streams were lost by all involved including the State of Minnesota.

All of this shows that a new facility not only benefits the Vikings but the whole state of Minnesota and our quality of life with the numerous choices we have. A new venue for the Vikings would not only maintain all this but would in fact enhance it. For proof of this look no further than Indianapolis, a town that pales in comparison to the Twin Cities area. Since they built Lucas Oil Stadium they have been luring numerous events to their area, many previously destined for Minnesota and the Metrodome. The Metrodome however is no longer viewed as a viable venue by anyone outside this state and as a result we are losing lots of revenue and jobs that would be supported by these events.

This brings me back to my point of where are all our other sports teams, ESPESCIALLY those that benefited from the Vikings grace, teamwork and recognition of the bigger picture in what was best for Minnesota. Twins & Gophers, as well as the Wild & T- Wolves it is time to step up to the plate and help hit a home run for the hometown Vikings. They are a valued state asset just as you are and they contributed to your success and promising future, time for you to return the favor. Keeping the Vikings is beneficial to Minny and maintains our quality of life and our position as a leader in this region and country as a whole. They help lure and keep other businesses for Minnesota. This is not the time to be silent it is the time to step up and show you are team players as well and want what is best for Minny long term. Show us, the people of Minnesota, that we were not wrong in our investments in you as teams and institutions and give back to us, join the debate and SAVE THE VIKES!!

To join in showing your support for keeping the #Vikings in Minny, to keep up to date on all the issues and to contact your local legislators for their support of this vital legislation PLEASE VISIT:

Save The Vikes.Org: http://www.savethevikes.org
Minnesota Momentum: http://www.minnesotamomentum.com
Minnesota Vikings: http://www.vikings.com

You can also follow and contact on Twitter (in the order above):

@savethevikesorg
@mnmomentum
@vikingsfootball

PLEASE sign up now and show your support. There are only 62 days remaining in this legislative session as of 3/23/11 and quite possibly to determine the future of the Vikings in Minnesota.

SKOL VIKES!!!