The Minnesota Vikings have committed to kicking in, with the help of the NFL, $400 million toward to cost of a new stadium. But there’s a caveat.
For the Purple to plunk down the full amount, the facility needs to be constructed in the franchise’s preferred location of Arden Hills, Ramsey County.
“We’re committed to the Arden Hills site for what it brings to the fans, but we’re also committed to investing over $400 million in specific to the Arden Hills site for the experiences that everyone can get from Arden Hills,” owner Zygi Wilf told the Associated Press. “Any other location besides Arden Hills wouldn’t justify near that level of commitment.”
Wilf’s comments come at a time when some politicians would like to steer the stadium project to Minneapolis. And Wilf has a clear incentive to see the stadium built in the rural location -- he plans to buy up a bunch of the surrounding property and develop it.
Also complicating matters is a reluctance by some to resolve the issue now. Wilf doesn’t like that talk, either.
“Avoiding the issue, as seems to have been taking place in the last couple of weeks, does not work,” Wilf said. “It only gets more difficult and more expensive. We’re very encouraged by leadership of both houses and the governor in trying to bring a stadium solution front and center.”
The Vikings believe their lease at the Metrodome expires on January 1. Based on a clause contained in the 32-year-old document, the lease could be extended by a year. The situation will need to be resolved at some point soon, regardless of whether the new stadium is built in Arden Hills or Minneapolis.
Or Los Angeles.