LIVE VIDEO: Vikings Stadium Set for Final Hurdle
The Senate is voting on the conference committee bill today—with the governor's pen next.
A conceptual drawing of a proposed new Vikings stadium. The House is voting on a stadium bill today.
Minnesota Vikings
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The Vikings stadium bill is almost at the finish line at the state Capitol.
After the House gave final approval at around 3:30 a.m. today, the Senate now gets its say. You can watch live video of the proceedings above, courtesy of The UpTake. Make sure to click on the "Senate" feed.
If the bill passes the Senate, it would go on to Gov. Mark Dayton, who has been an ardent stadium supporter.
The plan calls for a $975 million stadium to be built downtown Minneapolis, on the current Metrodome site, with the state share of funding coming via a gambling expansion.
Jonathan Kirsch
12:20 pm on Tuesday, May 8, 2012
They have to come to an agreement!!! And start building!!! Because if they don't and the Vikings move, it will be more expensive Down the road to get a new team, and a new stadium! Quit beating around the bush!! Lets finish this already! !
mike
5:47 pm on Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Every other team in MN has a new stadium. Give them theirs. You helped the Gophers. They haven't won more then 15 games in four years. At least the Vikes win or are in the play offs(except last years). I hope they do. If not then i won't support any other team we have. I WILL tell everyone i know not to vote those people back in. IT WILL SPREAD LIKE WILDFIRE TOO!!!
James Warden
9:32 pm on Tuesday, May 8, 2012
I'd hope the debate centers on how the economic benefits of the team, not its wins or losses. A losing team that spurs additional growth can repay the state's investment. A winning team that doesn't create growth has no chance of doing that. Of course, quantifying economic growth is easier said than done. If everyone could agree on a number, legislators would've had a deal back in January. Which of the state's stadiums do you think have paid off?
Michael Rose
9:37 pm on Tuesday, May 8, 2012
I tend to agree with James—a team's winning (or losing) ways shouldn't really enter into the equation. Whether the Vikes win or lose, a new stadium will almost certainly sell out every game for the immediate future. The question should be: Will this be worth the investment?
Lisa Baumann
10:05 pm on Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Here's a related story - Vikings Stadium Not Likely To Help Minnesota's Economy - http://www.forbes.com/sites/mikeozanian/2012/05/04/vikings-stadium-not-likely-to-help-minnesotas-economy/
Reactions?
Lisa Baumann
1:54 pm on Thursday, May 10, 2012
A tweet just now from Shakopee resident and SavetheVikes.org Founder Cory Merrifield:
"Vote to adopt #ConfComm amendment passes! #Vikings #MNLeg one more vote to go today, the final one!"