Like any construction project, the actual costs always exceed the budget. When it comes to the Vikings’ new stadium, however, the public contributions won’t be increasing.
Which means that certain bells and/or whistles will have to be dumped -- or that someone else will come up with the cash.
So far, the Vikings and the family that owns the franchise have kicked more money into the project. The team has announced that the private contribution have increased to nearly $526 million, up from the original $477 million. Added to the hard-capped $498 million from state and local sources, the stadium has now crossed the $1 billion threshold.
“The Vikings have made a significant contribution to the stadium budget, which allows us to maintain the original design to ensure the stadium is the most iconic, world-class stadium in the country and perhaps the world,” Minnesota Sports Facilities Association chairperson Michele Kelm-Helgen said in a press release. “The team stepping up to make this contribution was instrumental in helping to solve our budget gap.”
“It is critical that the original stadium design unveiled in 2013 is delivered to the public when the new stadium opens in 2016,” Vikings Owner/President Mark Wilf said. “Our goal is to provide the best game day experience possible for our fans and for everyone in Minnesota who uses the stadium. We strongly believed eliminating significant items that contribute to that fan experience was not an option.”
As the construction proceeds, it’s possible that other unforeseen expenses and increases will emerge. It appears that, if/when this happens, the private contributions once again will increase.