The Clock Is Ticking On A Vikings' Stadium

While the Minnesota Vikings test the free agent market to see if they could do better than Tarvaris Jackson or Gus Frerotte at quarterback next season (Brett Favre is not an option, having allegedly retired), the franchise might be free agents themselves if the Minnesota Legislature won't help fund a new stadium--their latest plan puts it at the site of their current home, the Metrodome in Minneapolis, and costs nearly a billion dollars--before their lease ends in 2011.

The National Football League has made no secret of wanting to get back into the Los Angeles market since the Rams and Raiders left in 1995. The Vikings are one of several teams being mentioned to fill that void, if a stadium referendum in an LA suburb ever passes.

The Vikings have tried many times before to convince the powers-that-be that the Metrodome, their home since 1982, has become an outdated relic in today's NFL, which now boasts modern stadiums that include luxury boxes and other amenities for the well-to-do football fan. In fact, the franchise ranks at or near the bottom when it comes to league revenues.

But, as everyone knows, this is the worst possible time to ask the Legislature for money when Minnesota faces a budget deficit in the millions--even with the state getting funds from President Obama's economic stimulus package. Both the House and Senate could expect a massive turnover in the 2010 election if they so much as voted for a stadium.

The Vikings didn't exactly help their cause when an official publicly blasted Governor Tim Pawlenty for not showing some leadership on the stadium issue, but did lend a hand to get the Twins and the University of Minnesota football team new homes. Since then, a meeting between the Governor and Vikings owner Zygi Wilf has apparently smoothed things over.

This time around, the team is treading carefully, recasting the stadium bill as a jobs package benefitting construction workers. Then, crossing their fingers, the bill might get some kind of hearing before the Legislature wraps up its business for the year. Of course, getting some kind of outside financial support from a county or a city might help, too.

What the Legislature, and anyone else who still thinks the Metrodome is an adequate home for professional football, need to realize is that the Vikings are the number one sports franchise in the state. Without a major upgrade, being able to afford to be competitive on the field is going to be the least of the Vikings' problems. Losing the team to Los Angeles would strike a major blow to the quality of life in Minnesota, but at least we saved money in the process. Are you ready to trade in the horns and shield for a foam head of cheese?