Comments on: Vikings, NFL want legislative vote on stadium bill

By: nflpasux

nflpasux — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 17:11:53 +0000

Baltimore, LA, and Anaheim went over a decade without replacement NFL teams. Houston and St. Louis also had long dry spells. Cleveland was an exception because the NFL was ripe for expansion. All six cities lost their teams due to stadiums which NFL owners deemed inadequate for financial objectives, plus lack of public funding for replacement stadiums.

The Minneapolis situation is totally consistent with these, and, unlike Cleveland, if the Vikings relocate, Minneapolis is more likely to go to the bottom of the list of serious far out future expansion sites, behind some combination of LA, San Antonio, Toronto, and London.

Regardless of the “fairness” of public funding for a privately owned NFL team, there will continue to be many more eligible cities willing to cough up the funds. It’s now or never (or, at least decades) for Minnesota to take the NFL more seriously than did the mayors of Baltimore, Cleveland, Houston etc., all of whom had ultimately spend hundreds of millions more while their NFL fans were impacted.

By: johnnyjagfan

johnnyjagfan — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 14:47:00 +0000

As a lobbyist myself, I’ve got to hand it to the NFL–they know how to call the legislature to task and get a vote. That’s usually the hardest thing to do. Those legislators don’t want a “tax increase” vote before elections, nor do they want to be seen as lining the pockets of a millionaire. But I will say this–when the fans pack up or throw away their Vikings gear, they’ll look back and wish that the MN Legislature followed the way of some others and recognized the public-private partnership between MN and the Vikings is good for the State. Maybe Wilf could sweeten the pot, maybe they could use bond proceeds? He could pay the interest. They could work a deal.

By: ernie ernie

ernie ernie — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 14:20:12 +0000

When its all said and done, the Vikes are going nowhere, the stadium will get built. Everything else is BS.
What people forget or don’t understand is there is no land available in LA, no money is being talked about and a stadium there is five years away at best so why would the Wilfs or anyone esle be interested.

If you build it they will come but no one has the money to build it so LA is out of it.

By: billjaehne

billjaehne — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 04:38:02 +0000

why is everyone hating on the vikings so much. if your not a part of this stay out. imagine if this was your team and your own state was holding them back.

By: bobby2478

bobby2478 — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 04:10:48 +0000

“You have to remember that its an election year and this is their jobs they are talking about. Every seat is up for grabs, that means everyone’s jobs are on the line.”

—————————-

That’s precisely the problem. They are more worried about re-election then they are about doing what they believe in or what they feel is best for their constituents. They were elected to represent their constituents and to fight for what they believe in, not to say and do whatever they need to in order to get re-elected. Simply vote Yes or No, it’s not too complicated. Real politicians aren’t afraid to cast an unpopular vote if it is what they believe in and they have a backbone. They weren’t elected to sit back and not do anything for fear of a coming election.

By: minnysoda

minnysoda — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 04:02:11 +0000

So At a minimum, the Vikings and the NFL simply want a full vote by the legislators on the proposed deal ?

Really these jerks think they can tell a State governing body what to do! What unmitigated gall

WE should tell them to shove it up their Rooney’s

By: bobby2478

bobby2478 — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 03:43:03 +0000

I agree with the Vikings here, they have been patient for almost a decade now only to see both the Twins and Gophers get new stadiums, only to get told to sit tight. Their lease is now up, and they still haven’t threatened to leave. The reality is exactly as the NFL said: Vote one way or another and as politicians show your true colors. No more hiding behind election year politics and not getting anything accomplished. If you agree then vote yes, if not then vote no. Either way people will hold you accountable for your vote, as they should. You are elected to represent the state, not to cower and not vote on any potentially controversial issues.

The really stupid part is just like when we let the North Stars leave they’ll refuse to build a stadium and the Vikes will leave town. Then after a year or 2 they’ll complain about no football, and will come up with the money for a stadium that will cost more (labor and materials will rise in cost), and try to get an expansion team. All that, or they could just keep the Vikings and all that history here. We’ve already lost the Lakers and North Stars to this crap, and nearly lost the Twins a few years back. Enough is enough already.

By: sevensixtwonato

sevensixtwonato — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 03:34:23 +0000

You have to remember that its an election year and this is their jobs they are talking about. Every seat is up for grabs, that means everyone’s jobs are on the line. Those legislators are not going to vote on something against the will of their representative constitutes this close to an election. I love Football, but I sure as hell would not commit career suicide for it.

By: urcrap

urcrap — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 03:12:50 +0000

I was feeling a bit sad over this mess and the possibility of witnessing the team I supported for over 40 years leave Minnesota. Then. Suddenly. A calm came over me as I realized their leaving might free me of the chains I forged in life following them through every miserable super bowl loss, but holding on, believing the Lombardi was within reach the next year. Next year….next year…next year…

By: mcjon22

mcjon22 — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 03:04:37 +0000

Minnesota fans might have to endure a season or two without football, but the Vikings would probably be replaced with the Chargers, Jaguars, Raiders, Bills, or Rams in the near future.

By: Big D in D

Big D in D — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 03:01:54 +0000

politicians are afraid to vote because they don’t want to lose their cushy government benefits.

By: thejuddstir

thejuddstir — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 02:48:56 +0000

The vikings are not my “favorite” team but they have been one of my top six teams to cheer for. I would hate to see them leave Minny but I could cheer for them wherever they end up. I will say kudos to the citizens of Minny for having the courage to say that while football is fun to be a fan of, there are more important things in life, like education, infrastructure, healthcare, roads, etc. etc. Kudo’s for trying to become the first NFL city/state to not give into the blackmail attempts of the NFL. The other 30 NFL cities have all caved into the NFL . Maybe the Queens could petition the NFL for the right to print funny money (fake stock) like their neighbors to the east.

By: rmavs

rmavs — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 02:47:07 +0000

harrisonhits2

the majority of the professional sport complexes that we enjoy were built, in part, with taxpayer money…

By: ponder7vikings

ponder7vikings — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 02:41:10 +0000

Omg you h8ter need to get a life

Us Vikings happen to want to keep are team

By: raidersfreak

raidersfreak — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 02:27:59 +0000

ZIGGY WILF JUST LANDED IN LA! According to LA Daily news sports

By: rmavs

rmavs — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 02:24:48 +0000

Its funny to see people that like other teams post on this blog stating what Vikings fans should or shouldn’t do or feel…Those of you should feel fortunate enough to respect those of us who are Vikings fans. The Vikings, for years, have tried to get a new venue, only to be left out in the cold. They were tied to a bill for the Twins and Gophers Stadiums a few years ago, yet, got dropped. The Humpty Dome was once a glorious place (circa the 1980s) but it lost its luster at least 15 years ago. I have been crying purple tears for 39 years, and I never hide from the four super bowl losses or the five consecutive NFC championship game losses, when it comes up in conversation with fans of other teams. I’m a Vikings fan.

By: southcakpanther

southcakpanther — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 02:15:28 +0000

PSLs suck but it’s a way for Viking fans to put up or shut up. PSLs could cut a nice chunk out of what Ziggy is begging the state for.

By: c0ldestwinter

c0ldestwinter — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 02:02:34 +0000

Well put in the last couple paragraphs, Mike. Good to see some unbiased journalism (even though it’s your team) explaining where things stand. I was of the opinion that Zygi Wilf should pony up the dough to get the stadium built because clearly he wasn’t hurting for money and this franchise is a cash cow, but at the end of the day it’s a free market and he has every right to pursue a better deal.

It’s perfectly understandable that the politicians would vote against it, especially if the reason they’re voting against it is that the public doesn’t want it. Nobody is in the wrong here, it’s just the free market economy at work.

By: backindasaddle

backindasaddle — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 01:53:23 +0000

YO!!!!!….. Minnesota Legislature Politician Weasels!!!!……. Stop acting like slippery non-committal weasel-snakes for just one day and try to actually do something that you’re supposed to do on behalf of “The People”….. VOTE!.

Stop being weasels!!!! S*** or get off the pot!!!

VOTE!

By: nelghop

nelghop — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 01:49:47 +0000

We have been listening to the Minnesota legislature discuss the Vikings Stadium for a least 10 years. I am tired of talk; either find a way to fund a new stadium this year or let them go. I am an NFL fan and will be happy to watch the LA Vikings on TV while cheering for my fantasy back Adrian Peterson. I have been a Vikings fan for over 40 years and I am now endorsing the move. Thank you Mr. Wilf for at least attempting to remain in Minnesota during your ownership without ever threatening to leave (in the past). Our legislature will spend the money whether a new stadium is funded or not. What people forget is that the Wilf’s also own the local Major League Soccer rights which would also be played in a new stadium so it is not just for football…… or is it??

By: n001363

n001363 — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 01:48:50 +0000

For the people who say we voted for these clowns and we get what we deserve, that’s just ignorant. No politician gets asked whether they will or will not build a stadium. Has the National Debt been paid off? No! Because apparently were all the idiots who voted for that. Right?

By: Deb

Deb — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 01:45:57 +0000

It’s evil to rip a sports franchise away from fans who’ve supported the organization for more than half a century. But if the NFL/Vikings can’t get cooperation from Minnesota politicians, they might not have a choice. Obviously the politicians are terrified of approving a stadium expenditure during an election year … but they don’t want to be blamed for driving away the Vikings. The best option for fans is to bombard them with letters and e-mails demanding they stick to their agreement with the league–or at least put the thing to a full vote of the legislature. If you want to keep the team, let these clods hear from you.

By: ponder7vikings

ponder7vikings — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 01:42:13 +0000

All Vikings fan can help save Vikings and even if some of you non Vikings fans want to help the NFC north wouldn’t be the same with out the Minnesota Vikings!!!

SAVE THE VIKINGS

savethevikes.org

By: thatswhatimsayin

thatswhatimsayin — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 01:30:19 +0000

I’ve spent the last 25 years paying taxes for welfare, refugees, light rail trains, and schools that have food courts that rival the Mall Of America. None of it has generated any kind of worthwhile return. This is a project that will actually generate income for the state and God forbid a little entertainment. The stadium will bring other events here which everybody benefits from. Having an NFL franchise makes your State a destination. Who the crap would go to Green Bay Wisconsin if it weren’t for the Packers. No one would know there was a city called Green Bay. Just sayin’

By: n001363

n001363 — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 01:29:50 +0000

On any given Sunday in Football Season, 8 out of 10 television sets are tuned into the Vikings game. These fu*kers in St Paul don’t represent us, they represent what’s happening all over the nation. Politics is a national civil war. It has nothing to do with whether people here want the team or not. It has nothing to do with Football. It’s about their little fu*cking selfish bickering. We love our team as much as anybody. I’m asking anybody who cares to take the time to rip these motherfu*ckers to pieces with your comments. Go after the politicians for what they do to us all. Stadium or no stadium, none of them work for us anymore! The “people of Minnesota” are no part of this equation.

By: driverjim

driverjim — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 01:24:35 +0000

Los Angeles this, Los Angeles that . . .

>:(

BAH! Here’s something creative that leapt to my attention at the mention of Rutherford, NJ.

Zygi can find a market and share with somebody. Come to Denver, our season ticket waiting list is still twenty something years. Sellouts, even when we try to inflate tires (read as: blow nothing but air) dating back to . . . well, at least my lifetime and I’m thirty-one.

Forget Los Angeles. California does not need a fourth football team. Go somewhere with an untapped market or share with one that’s undertapped.

HA! Go underachieve in Indy, the city would pay out the nose to sign another lease on the Lucas Oil Thousand Gallon Drum. Move down to Saint Louis, perhaps, since Kroenke can’t decide what he wants to do (being upset in having to give his boy the Denver Nuggets and Colorado Avalanche).

Either do one of the above, or tiptoe through the tulips and shut the hell up about it. There is no room to cry when you don’t even try.

By: eeeeeeetme

eeeeeeetme — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 01:12:52 +0000

This is great!! I despise the ViQueefs and their panty waste loser fans. I would be more than willing to help load the moving vans.

By: simon94022

simon94022 — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 01:10:24 +0000

There’s no way in this economy that legislators with brains are going to spend public funds on an NFL stadium. This thing will host 10 events a year, plus the occasional concert. So unlike a baseball park or basketball/hockey arena there’s really not even a basis for claiming it will bring any net economic benefit to the state.

The NFL isn’t exactly struggling financially. Let them build their own damn stadium.

By: ndstacken

ndstacken — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 01:09:29 +0000

Florio, I’ve never been more depressed in my life. I am so fed up with the leaders of Minnesota outside of Dayton who I believe is doing a lot to get the stadium situation solved. I am upset with the people who don’t want a stadium and who don’t understand why one is needed. This is just awful. I keep praying that something will happen, but at this point, I’ve lost almost all faith.

By: rezen73

rezen73 — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 01:07:39 +0000

In my opinion, the instant public money is used to fund private enterprise, the private enterprise becomes property of the public proportional to the amount invested and the public must have a voice in the operation of the “franchise” and more importantly: a share in the profits.

e.g. If the public sector puts in 50% for a stadium, then the public sector should get 50% of the GROSS profits (e.g. before taxes).

It’s disgusting that the NFL needs “bailout” money to build stadiums.

Don’t think it’s bailout money? What else would classify it as? If the government doesn’t pay, the entity dies (leaves). It’s a bailout!

Actually… it’s worse than a bailout! It’s like your wife saying if you don’t buy her that $2000 Balenciaga bag that she’ll leave you to marry your richer neighbor! If you pay, you lost $2000 and keep your wife… if you don’t, you keep $2000 and get to see your wife having an affair with your neighbor!

At the most basic level, it’s wrong and immoral for private enterprise to profit so grossly off the government, in my opinion.