Stadium thread

[yezzir]

"take your team and go play elsewhere."

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d8 ... _headlines

hopefully wilf doesnt have a reactionary personality. thats a pretty cringe-worthy statement.

[glg]

hopefully wilf doesnt have a reactionary personality. thats a pretty cringe-worthy statement.

Don't worry about it. Every public meeting will have people like this guy shouting crap.

[mondry]

"take your team and go play elsewhere."

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d8 ... _headlines

Spoken like a true idiot. Sure Zygi makes a lot off of the team, but he can make a lot off of the team in many OTHER locations, so that's a non factor in why zygi should pay for the entire stadium. There are only 32 NFL teams in the ENTIRE WORLD so to have one in your city is a significant advantage over one that doesn't.

If an owner paid for the entire stadium cost, they would then collect every ounce of income the stadium brings in including hosted events OUTSIDE of football as far as I understand it. I've got news for you though, the state doesn't want to miss out on that big chunk of pie so it will NEVER happen. In other words, even if zygi WANTED to pay for the entire stadium and have complete control over it, I doubt the state would let him.

So good luck to you Mr.Copeland, have fun wasting your time when both zygi and the state think you're an idiot. I'm sure your appeal process will work out, especially when neither side involved wants what you're suggested, nor is it even capable of happening. Best case scenario for you is that the Vikings leave the state and due to that loss of revenue, the state has to permanently raise your taxes. If you have to pay higher taxes one way or the other, might as well get an NFL team out of the deal. Moron.

[Cliff]

The proposed site for the new stadium is a former Army ammunition plant in Arden Hills, a city about 10 miles from the Vikings' current stadium, the Metrodome, in downtown Minneapolis.

Lets hope the former tenants did proper garbage disposal or building the stadium could be quite an explosive undertaking.

[thatguy]

He has a point. Its not like the Vikings doesnt make WIlf a lot more money than it makes the average citizen who is being asked to pay for some of his teams stadium. Dont blame him one bit.

It goes back to the fact that every citizen is FORCED to pay for some other person's theater or museum that they will never used. I just feel like these people are so quick to criticize a stadium - that will actually provide thousands of jobs in the short and long-term - just because of the price tag. It's not some huge purchase with little to no payoff in the end...just look at the Target Center. I'm not saying having everyone pay for a stadium is right...but don't make other people pay for museums/theaters that they won't all use. And people will use the same old argument of "educational value" in those venues, but in the end, who's to judge what is "culturally" relevant or important?

I'm not disagreeing in the guy's point that they shouldn't be forced to pay, but I'm also sick of the hypocrisy that comes along with it.

[BGM]

It goes back to the fact that every citizen is FORCED to pay for some other person's theater or museum that they will never used. I just feel like these people are so quick to criticize a stadium - that will actually provide thousands of jobs in the short and long-term - just because of the price tag. It's not some huge purchase with little to no payoff in the end...just look at the Target Center. I'm not saying having everyone pay for a stadium is right...but don't make other people pay for museums/theaters that they won't all use. And people will use the same old argument of "educational value" in those venues, but in the end, who's to judge what is "culturally" relevant or important?

I'm not disagreeing in the guy's point that they shouldn't be forced to pay, but I'm also sick of the hypocrisy that comes along with it.

Sorry, but not similar. When was the last time a museum or theater was the driving force behind a levy increase or specific tax or a direct funding increase through special legislation? Additionally, the overwhelming majority of operating revenue, including any capital improvements, for museums and theaters comes via private donations and fund raising. Local, state and federal funding makes up a surprisingly small percentage of revenue. In the 2010 Biennial Minnesota Budget, the MN Science Museum (2.3M), Mn Zoo (12.7M), the Arts Board (16.7M), Historical Society (45.2M), and Public Broadcasting (3.9M) totaled $81 million in public funding out of a budget of $30.5 billion. So, funding for theaters and museums make up 0.26% of the budget. And all of those have already been targeted for cuts in this biennium.

Meanwhile, the Minnesota Vikings franchise, a privately held company, is looking for upwards of $400 million to help fund a stadium from which they will reap the direct financial revenue. At a time when the state is looking to cut $6 billion from the budget.

[glg]

Sorry, but not similar. When was the last time a museum or theater was the driving force behind a levy increase or specific tax or a direct funding increase through special legislation? Additionally, the overwhelming majority of operating revenue, including any capital improvements, for museums and theaters comes via private donations and fund raising. Local, state and federal funding makes up a surprisingly small percentage of revenue. In the 2010 Biennial Minnesota Budget, the MN Science Museum (2.3M), Mn Zoo (12.7M), the Arts Board (16.7M), Historical Society (45.2M), and Public Broadcasting (3.9M) totaled $81 million in public funding out of a budget of $30.5 billion. So, funding for theaters and museums make up 0.26% of the budget. And all of those have already been targeted for cuts in this biennium.

Meanwhile, the Minnesota Vikings franchise, a privately held company, is looking for upwards of $400 million to help fund a stadium from which they will reap the direct financial revenue. At a time when the state is looking to cut $6 billion from the budget.

don't make bad comparisons. The Vikings are not looking for $400M in one year.

[thatguy]

Meanwhile, the Minnesota Vikings franchise, a privately held company, is looking for upwards of $400 million to help fund a stadium from which they will reap the direct financial revenue. At a time when the state is looking to cut $6 billion from the budget.

Again...look at the Target Center and tell me honestly if you think the Twolves are the only ones "reaping" the financial revenues.

[BGM]

don't make bad comparisons. The Vikings are not looking for $400M in one year.

Regardless, the amount they are looking for would fund the arts and museum expenditures in the Minnesota budget for 5 years at current funding levels. And, when the state is facing $6 billion in cuts, I think the comparison is germane. These things do not occur in a vacuum and the Vikings ham-handed approach to the stadium issue in the past does not bode well for their prospects for the future. For the most part, I was trying to make a point that comparing museum and theater funding to funding a stadium is apples and oranges, and I don't see hypocrisy in supporting public funding for one but not the other. The Vikings are a private business entity, albeit with real value for the economy, and IMO a cultural value.

Truthfully, I will be very happy if the Vikings manage to find a solution for a new stadium that will add to the economy and
keep the Vikings in Minnesota. I just think they have a very tough battle ahead of them to convince the state and county that public funding is worthwhile and in the best interests of everyone.

[BGM]

Again...look at the Target Center and tell me honestly if you think the Twolves are the only ones "reaping" the financial revenues.

The Target Center can also be used year-round. In order for a new Vikings stadium to be usable year-round, the Vikings are requiring the state to pay an additional $200 million to make that happen, because they contend the Vikings gain nothing from a roofed stadium. I find that difficult to believe since the Vikings would get a share of any revenue generated by any events held in their stadium. But maybe I am naive or misinformed.

I would be interested to find out how much tax revenue is generated by the Target Center. And how much tax revenue would be generated by a new Vikings stadium. I think these numbers could be key points. If you're alluding to economic expansion in the area that is connected directly to the presence of the Target Center, you're talking about a number that's difficult to pin down.

Listen, I want the Vikings to stay, and I would love to see them build a new stadium. However, I do have a problem with utilizing public funding for what amounts to a private business venture at a time when basic Human Services and Education funding in Minnesota are facing deep and, in some cases, debilitating cuts. I fear I am venturing dangerously close to crossing the fine line between stadium issues and politics, so I better leave my position statement right there...

[OJVIKE]

http://www2.myfoxtwincities.com/dpp/new ... eb-15-2011
one hurddle crossed.....
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_ylt=A ... ngsstadium
more info....things starting to heat up!..lets get this deal done!

[purple guy]

http://www2.myfoxtwincities.com/dpp/new ... eb-15-2011
one hurddle crossed.....
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_ylt=A ... ngsstadium
more info....things starting to heat up!..lets get this deal done!

Again, a few paragraphs in, Lester "the wizzard" Bagley, says they have not decided on a site yet. That, to me, is mind blowing. As close as they are to having to go beg for money, they dont even have a location selected. They couldnt fumble this any worse IMO. "Hey, Minnesota taxpayers, could you give us a half a billion dollars so we can build a stadium somewhere. We'll let you know where and what kind when we get around to it. Trust us though, it'll be nice, we've been working on this for decade, once you give us the cash, we'll actually start the planning process, didnt want to do any actual work until you give us the money, that way, if you dont, we can pack up our ####, and find a state that is stupid enough to cough up a few hundred million to a millionaire owner of an NFL team. But dont worry, we feel you folks in MN are niave and foolish enough, so staying is clearly our first option. Thanks"

Idiot.

[PurpleMustReign]

Again, a few paragraphs in, Lester "the wizzard" Bagley, says they have not decided on a site yet. That, to me, is mind blowing. As close as they are to having to go beg for money, they dont even have a location selected. They couldnt fumble this any worse IMO. "Hey, Minnesota taxpayers, could you give us a half a billion dollars so we can build a stadium somewhere. We'll let you know where and what kind when we get around to it. Trust us though, it'll be nice, we've been working on this for decade, once you give us the cash, we'll actually start the planning process, didnt want to do any actual work until you give us the money, that way, if you dont, we can pack up our ####, and find a state that is stupid enough to cough up a few hundred million to a millionaire owner of an NFL team. But dont worry, we feel you folks in MN are niave and foolish enough, so staying is clearly our first option. Thanks"

Idiot.

Bagley is beyond worthless. He reminds me of that moron the Twins hired a few years back to help with the Stadium push (I can't think of his name).

[shannontw]

IMO, I think the Vikings should choose the Arden Hills site. Because Building the stadium on that site would be faster than building on the Metrodome site. I would just extend the lease on the metrodome until the new staidum is fixed. That way you wont be losing money by playing TCF bank stadium.

But that guy who said vikings are wieghing there options is a dummy. Arden Hills basically giving you a great site. Supporting you damn near 100% and he still BSing. Come on.

[purple guy]

IMO, I think the Vikings should choose the Arden Hills site. Because Building the stadium on that site would be faster than building on the Metrodome site. I would just extend the lease on the metrodome until the new staidum is fixed. That way you wont be losing money by playing TCF bank stadium.

But that guy who said vikings are wieghing there options is a dummy. Arden Hills basically giving you a great site. Supporting you damn near 100% and he still BSing. Come on.

I dont know if Arden Hills is the best site or not. But I dont think they should build on a particular site just because it could get built faster, thats pretty short-sighted, which, Bagley and Co appear to be. I read somewhere the infrastructure in Arden Hills would need a lot of work, where at the Dome site, its pretty well set. Not being familiar with Arden Hills, I have no idea which is better, but its pretty disheartening that the Vikings still arent set on a particular site. IF they ever choose a site, I hope the speed in which the stadium can be built on said site, has nothing to do with actual site selection.