The Vikings are legally obligated to play football for two more seasons in the Metrodome. After that, they become unrestricted free agents.
The situation has yet to create the type of urgency that the team would like; as the Minnesota legislature continues it annual session, the matter of assisting with the funding of a new venue has yet to be raised.
Vikings’ stadium honcho Lester Bagley tells the Minneapolis Star Tribune that an expectation remains that the matter will be addressed this year. “We’ve been told by all that there will be a discussion this session and that efforts would be made to move it forward to the best of their ability . . . to put it in a position to be resolved,” Bagley said.
But lobbyist Bill McGrann sounded less optimistic. “The chances are getting slimmer by the day that there will be any sort of consideration,” McGrann said.
And so folks in Los Angeles might be wondering whether Brett Favre will make it to 2012.
Meanwhile, $2 million will be spent for new FieldTurf at the Metrodome and a remodeling of the offices formerly used by the Twins. If the Vikings leave after the 2011 season, some of that money will be paid back.
And then maybe they’ll leave a Todd Packer-style package on the new carpet before they go.