Vikings V.P. of public affairs and stadium development Lester Bagley (pictured) joined PFT Live on Friday to discuss the status of efforts to get a new venue built in the Twin Cities.
Regardless of what happens, it’s clear that the Vikings aren’t interested in staying in the Metrodome.
“It’s not a threat, it’s just kind of the reality,” Bagley said. “The Metrodome no longer works.”
To prove his point, Bagley disclosed a fact that had not previously been reported. Due to the status of the Metrodome, which experienced a roof collapse during the 2010 season, the Vikings had trouble getting another team to agree to play an exhibition game there.
“We couldn’t even get a preseason game scheduled this year,” Bagley said. “We could not get a partner and the league had to step in and help us get a preseason game scheduled because of that facility. . . . [T]he facility is no longer viable and we’ve got to resolve the issue.”
It appears that the issue will be resolved during the current legislative session, one way or the other. With the Vikings due to become free agents after the 2011 season, failure to make significant progress could result in a relocation of the team.
So be advised, Vikings fans. If you want the team to stay in Minnesota, it’s now or quite possibly never.
The full interview with Bagley soon will be posted at the PFT Live home page. It’s already in the iTunes store for podcasting.