LA Vikings

[NoDak 4 Ever]

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/7830779/nfl-exec-says-minnesota-vikings-options-stadium-bid

I guess I don't care, I live in Ohio. What a bunch of bull****.


Fun fact? Morrie Lanning's wife was my 3rd grade teacher. I really liked her.

[TheRevSFA]

Wow. Why don't they talk to the Gophers and play at TCF Bank? or whatever it is called..

[whitey]

I can sort of understand where the legislators are coming from. Plenty of other pro sports teams have build new stadiums without tax payer funds.

[NoDak 4 Ever]

I can sort of understand where the legislators are coming from. Plenty of other pro sports teams have build new stadiums without tax payer funds.

The taxes would come from an expansion on gambling. They would finally break the monopoly the native americans have had on gambling in the state and allow it to happen off the reservations.

[NoDak 4 Ever]

Wow. Why don't they talk to the Gophers and play at TCF Bank? or whatever it is called..

I should have multi-ed this but they actually did try a dual purpose Gopher/Vikings stadium before TCF was built. I don't think they were able to come to an agreement. If they had done it in the spot where TCF is now, that would have been a nightmare on game days. Not everybody drives to Gopher games but they would for Vikings games.

[darell1976]

http://www.startribune.com/politics/statelocal/147631965.html

Proposed funding for a new stadium:

Vikings would pay 427 mil to the stadium
State of MN would pay 398 mil to the stadium
City of Minneapolis would pay 327 mil to the stadium

After that:
Vikings pay 327 mil to the stadium's operations
City of Minneapolis would pay 198 mil over time for the stadium's operations


Monday's hearing began with a jolt when Rep. Dean Urdahl, R-Grove City, asked: "Why should the state of Minnesota contribute to a stadium for a billionaire owner?"

Team officials were quickly peppered with questions asking why Vikings owner Zygi Wilf was not contributing more to the stadium and how much the Vikings' value would grow with a new stadium.

"It's difficult to say," Steve Poppen, the team's chief financial officer.

For comparison Texas Stadium cost was 1.15 billion payed mostly by Jerry Jones. City of Arlington raised sales tax by .5%, 2% on hotels and 5% on rental cars. Plus city of Arlington paid 325 mil in bonds and 150 mil loan from the NFL. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cowboys_Stadium
So if you do the math Jones paid for 825 mil minus the % of sales, hotels, and cars. Where Wilf will pay for just over half of a 975 mil proposed Vikings Stadium. Jones 72% of the cost and any overruns...Wilf 56% and no talk about cost overruns and who would pay for that. Jones worth $2 billion Wilf worth 1.3 billion http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zygi_Wilf

All I can say is welcome to southern California Mr. Wilf.

[MorgantonAPPAlum]

I can sort of understand where the legislators are coming from. Plenty of other pro sports teams have build new stadiums without tax payer funds.

I've got four Panthers PSLs-they cost me $10K up front and I have to pay about $2K every year for the tickets. There was a lot of bitching when we first got the Panthers about PSLs, but it has always seemed perfectly fair to me-those of us who are going to get the benefit (PSLs) have to help pay for the stadium (my seats are upper deck on about the 20 yard line, but there are other seats that could be had for less, I've got a cousin who sits in the end zone on the upper deck who got them for a fraction of what I paid). But the other side effect is that it makes it that much harder (if not impossible) for the Panthers to try and blackmail Charlotte for a better stadium. The stadium is privately owned, like Texas stadium, with the team just getting a property tax break on the land that the stadium sits on, so the team would have to eat the loss if they wanted to move.

[darell1976]

I've got four Panthers PSLs-they cost me $10K up front and I have to pay about $2K every year for the tickets. There was a lot of bitching when we first got the Panthers about PSLs, but it has always seemed perfectly fair to me-those of us who are going to get the benefit (PSLs) have to help pay for the stadium (my seats are upper deck on about the 20 yard line, but there are other seats that could be had for less, I've got a cousin who sits in the end zone on the upper deck who got them for a fraction of what I paid). But the other side effect is that it makes it that much harder (if not impossible) for the Panthers to try and blackmail Charlotte for a better stadium. The stadium is privately owned, like Texas stadium, with the team just getting a property tax break on the land that the stadium sits on, so the team would have to eat the loss if they wanted to move.

Vikings don't have PSL's. Here is a list of teams that do:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Personal_seat_license
I do see the Twins on the list (gotta pay for Target Field somehow.)

[NoDak 4 Ever]

I imagine this, like the Metrodome and Target Field would be the same ownership model. If that is so. The Wilfs are willing to fund almost half of the cost of a stadium that they wouldn't own. Much like the Twins put in 1/3 of the cost of Target Field which is owned by the public. Would any of you pay half the cost of a building that you wouldn't own? They recoup that investment by being able to play there, get concessions, and ticket sales.

[darell1976]

I imagine this, like the Metrodome and Target Field would be the same ownership model. If that is so. The Wilfs are willing to fund almost half of the cost of a stadium that they wouldn't own. Much like the Twins put in 1/3 of the cost of Target Field which is owned by the public. Would any of you pay half the cost of a building that you wouldn't own? They recoup that investment by being able to play there, get concessions, and ticket sales.

Wouldn't Wilf make money if he payed 100% of the cost..it should be a big tax write off.

[darell1976]

I imagine this, like the Metrodome and Target Field would be the same ownership model. If that is so. The Wilfs are willing to fund almost half of the cost of a stadium that they wouldn't own. Much like the Twins put in 1/3 of the cost of Target Field which is owned by the public. Would any of you pay half the cost of a building that you wouldn't own? They recoup that investment by being able to play there, get concessions, and ticket sales.

Wouldn't Wilf make money if he payed 100% of the cost..it should be a big tax write off.

[MorgantonAPPAlum]

Vikings don't have PSL's. Here is a list of teams that do:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Personal_seat_license
I do see the Twins on the list (gotta pay for Target Field somehow.)

Just suggested it as an alternative to public financing. Not sure how it might work with existing season-ticket holders though. Anyway, there are negative consequences (our fan support is often horrible late in the season if we are struggling), but I'm convinced that the positives outweigh the negatives.

[TheRevSFA]

Please..Texas Stadium no longer exists. Refer to the New Cowboys Stadium as Cowboys Stadium, or Jerry World.

Thanks!

[MorgantonAPPAlum]

double post-mods please delete.

[NoDak 4 Ever]

Wouldn't Wilf make money if he payed 100% of the cost..it should be a big tax write off.

Well those of us who have actually been there know how much a toilet that Metrodome neighborhood is. Imagine what it will be like when the Vikings are gone. These dopes don't understand the meaning of public good.

[darell1976]

Please..Texas Stadium no longer exists. Refer to the New Cowboys Stadium as Cowboys Stadium, or Jerry World.

Thanks!

I like that one.xlolx

[MorgantonAPPAlum]

Please..Texas Stadium no longer exists. Refer to the New Cowboys Stadium as Cowboys Stadium, or Jerry World.

Thanks!

Can I refer to it as "that team I really hate and despise" stadium?:D

[darell1976]

Well those of us who have actually been there know how much a toilet that Metrodome neighborhood is. Imagine what it will be like when the Vikings are gone. These dopes don't understand the meaning of public good.

That's why I was hoping they would build the new stadium up in Arden Hills...better location than in that pit called downtown Mpls. Parking sucks but I like the train, my family took the train from the Mall of America and rode it to Target Field in 2010 just past the dome then took the train back. Saves a lot of headaches in traffic. I would think they could run a line up to the northern burbs if the stadium was built there.

[TheRevSFA]

Can I refer to it as "that team I really hate and despise" stadium?:D

Don't hate them because the Panthers ain't them.

I don't necessarily like Jerry..but I love my Cowboys

(and I don't dislike the Panthers by any means)

[darell1976]

Don't hate them because the Panthers ain't them.

I don't necessarily like Jerry..but I love my Cowboys

(and I don't dislike the Panthers by any means)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TrU8z4w8T-4

My favorite Cowboys game!!

[TheRevSFA]

Hey I love the Vikings..they took Herschel Walker and we won 3 super bowls with the draft picks we got.

I even have Viking Horns

[MorgantonAPPAlum]

Don't hate them because the Panthers ain't them.

I don't necessarily like Jerry..but I love my Cowboys

(and I don't dislike the Panthers by any means)

Rev-my Cowboys hate goes back to well before anyone even thought of the Carolina Panthers, to one particularly obnoxious Dallas fan when I was a kid (I was a Dolphins fan then). I'll say this, they have a very loyal fan base. When we play them in Charlotte (as we will this year) there are always tons of Cowboys fans in attendance. Lots of our fans were Cowboys fans when they were young and can't get over it today (this is also true of other teams but to a lesser extent).

[TheRevSFA]

Rev-my Cowboys hate goes back to well before anyone even thought of the Carolina Panthers, to one particularly obnoxious Dallas fan when I was a kid (I was a Dolphins fan then). I'll say this, they have a very loyal fan base. When we play them in Charlotte (as we will this year) there are always tons of Cowboys fans in attendance. Lots of our fans were Cowboys fans when they were young and can't get over it today (this is also true of other teams but to a lesser extent).

I understand. A lot of my friends hated Dallas (because it was the thing to either love or hate the local team) and are still die hard 49er fans.

[dgtw]

I hated the Cowboys during the Landry/Staubach years but for some reason became a fan of them after Jerry Jones took over and during their glory years.

Is the U. of Minnesota stadium on campus? Would selling alcohol there be an issue?

Is it just me or does anyone else not give two hoots in Hades that Los Angeles does not have an NFL team? I understand why the league wants a team there, but why should the general public care? They tried to force an expansion team there, but nobody in town cared, so we get the Houston Texans. I doubt the NFL would be getting this involved unless they were wanting a team in LA.

[TheRevSFA]

I hated the Cowboys during the Landry/Staubach years but for some reason became a fan of them after Jerry Jones took over and during their glory years.

Is the U. of Minnesota stadium on campus? Would selling alcohol there be an issue?

Is it just me or does anyone else not give two hoots in Hades that Los Angeles does not have an NFL team? I understand why the league wants a team there, but why should the general public care? They tried to force an expansion team there, but nobody in town cared, so we get the Houston Texans. I doubt the NFL would be getting this involved unless they were wanting a team in LA.

..and no one outside of Houston truly cares about the Texans. God knows I don't...but that's another subject involving their fans.

[darell1976]

Rev-my Cowboys hate goes back to well before anyone even thought of the Carolina Panthers, to one particularly obnoxious Dallas fan when I was a kid (I was a Dolphins fan then). I'll say this, they have a very loyal fan base. When we play them in Charlotte (as we will this year) there are always tons of Cowboys fans in attendance. Lots of our fans were Cowboys fans when they were young and can't get over it today (this is also true of other teams but to a lesser extent).

xthumbsupx

[darell1976]

I hated the Cowboys during the Landry/Staubach years but for some reason became a fan of them after Jerry Jones took over and during their glory years.

Is the U. of Minnesota stadium on campus? Would selling alcohol there be an issue?

Is it just me or does anyone else not give two hoots in Hades that Los Angeles does not have an NFL team? I understand why the league wants a team there, but why should the general public care? They tried to force an expansion team there, but nobody in town cared, so we get the Houston Texans. I doubt the NFL would be getting this involved unless they were wanting a team in LA.

That wan issue when the Metrodome roof collaped and the Vikings had to move the game to TCF. But just recently this happened.

http://www.mndaily.com/2012/03/30/house-passes-bill-would-allow-alcohol-tcf-bank-stadium


The Minnesota House passed a bill Friday that would allow alcohol to be sold in certain areas of TCF Bank Stadium.

The liquor omnibus bill includes a provision to allow alcohol in stadium suites and a designated area in or near the stadium. The Senate passed a similar provision in its omnibus bill Wednesday.

It's unclear whether the bill will have to go to a conference committee to reconcile differences before going to Gov. Mark Dayton for final approval. Dayton's press secretary Katharine Tinucci previously told the Minnesota Daily that the governor has not taken a position on the bill.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TCF_Bank_Stadium#Alcohol_controversy


University of Minnesota President Robert Bruininks originally planned to have the school apply for a state liquor license in order to serve beer and wine in limited areas of the stadium. Under his proposal, alcohol would have been available only to occupants of premium season ticket seats ranging in price from $1,800 to $45,000 a year. This is/was consistent with the University's long-held alcohol policy at other on-campus athletic venues, such as Williams Arena and Mariucci Arena. This is also consistent with other NCAA institutions (including all other Big Ten Conference teams except for the University of Michigan) with on campus stadiums. No Big Ten stadiums serve alcohol in their general seating.

[dgtw]

So Gopher fans with money can buy a beer bur the average guy can't? Nice.

Would the law allow for beer sales everywhere if the Vikings moved there full time?

REV-I agree the Texans don't have a national following. I just don't get why anyone cares if LA has a team or not.

[NHwildEcat]

Don't hate them because the Panthers ain't them.

I don't necessarily like Jerry..but I love my Cowboys

(and I don't dislike the Panthers by any means)

Jerry the Owner, fabulous. Jerry the GM= 1 playoff win since '96.

[darell1976]

So Gopher fans with money can buy a beer bur the average guy can't? Nice.

Would the law allow for beer sales everywhere if the Vikings moved there full time?

REV-I agree the Texans don't have a national following. I just don't get why anyone cares if LA has a team or not.

I would think so per NFL rules not Big 10 rules. Its funny how some stadiums can serve alcohol to all seating (UND) but some stadiums don't allow alcohol period (NDSU). I can see maybe if its a campus building but when the city owns it (like at NDSU and UND) the rule is stupid.

[NHwildEcat]

I hated the Cowboys during the Landry/Staubach years but for some reason became a fan of them after Jerry Jones took over and during their glory years.

Is the U. of Minnesota stadium on campus? Would selling alcohol there be an issue?

Is it just me or does anyone else not give two hoots in Hades that Los Angeles does not have an NFL team? I understand why the league wants a team there, but why should the general public care? They tried to force an expansion team there, but nobody in town cared, so we get the Houston Texans. I doubt the NFL would be getting this involved unless they were wanting a team in LA.

Minnesota sells beer during games now I do believe. UNH will be heading out there in September!

[NoDak 4 Ever]

So Gopher fans with money can buy a beer bur the average guy can't? Nice.

Would the law allow for beer sales everywhere if the Vikings moved there full time?

REV-I agree the Texans don't have a national following. I just don't get why anyone cares if LA has a team or not.

I think it's time to break this fantasy chain. The Vikings will not move into TCF full time. That ship sailed many many years ago. This is going to go one of two ways, either a new stadium is built or the Vikings leave whether the Wilfs do it or the new owners if they sell.

[NHwildEcat]

I understand. A lot of my friends hated Dallas (because it was the thing to either love or hate the local team) and are still die hard 49er fans.

I grew up in NH and have always been a Cowboys fan. It helped that they were on TV all the time and New England sucked then. But I don't think I could have ever liked the Pats, the fans are so damn annoying. And Belicheck- ugh what a douche. I cannot recall ever rooting for another team in my life. Everyone else who was a Cowboys fan back then is no longer...certainly due to the Pats dominance over the past decade plus.

[darell1976]

I grew up in NH and have always been a Cowboys fan. It helped that they were on TV all the time and New England sucked then. But I don't think I could have ever liked the Pats, the fans are so damn annoying. And Belicheck- ugh what a douche. I cannot recall ever rooting for another team in my life. Everyone else who was a Cowboys fan back then is no longer...certainly due to the Pats dominance over the past decade plus.

I am praying for the time this happens again!!!

[NHwildEcat]

I am praying for the time this happens again!!!

Soon my friend...Brady cannot play forever!

[LakesBison]

this is bull****.

Vikings will not move, worst case scenario, Wilf sells the vikings to Glen Taylor (owns the timberwolves) and he'll purchase the metrodome for $1 and keep all profits.


or White Earth Tribe will build the casino in the cities and give $400 million upfront!

[Gil Dobie]

Worst case, Wilf sells to a LA investors group headed by Magic Johnson.

The Packers will finish off the process of kicking the Vikings buttocks out of the NFC Central on 12/30/2012 :)

[darell1976]

this is bull****.

Vikings will not move, worst case scenario, Wilf sells the vikings to Glen Taylor (owns the timberwolves) and he'll purchase the metrodome for $1 and keep all profits.


or White Earth Tribe will build the casino in the cities and give $400 million upfront!

What's sad is White Earth could give that money to the entire tribe and make vast improvements on the reservation just like all Indian casinos...the money goes to a select few while the rest live in poverty.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_Earth_Indian_Reservation#Economy


The poverty rate on the White Earth Reservation may be near 50%. The unemployment rate on the White Earth Reservation is near 25%. The White Earth Reservation is classified as the poorest Reservation in the State of Minnesota.

[darell1976]

Worst case, Wilf sells to a LA investors group headed by Magic Johnson.

The Packers will finish off the process of kicking the Vikings buttocks out of the NFC Central on 12/30/2012 :)

Maybe the Packers (owned by the people) will buy the Vikings and move the team to Milwaukee.:D

[NHwildEcat]

Maybe the Packers (owned by the people) will buy the Vikings and move the team to Milwaukee.:D

Maybe the Vikings should issue stock...quick way to raise capital!

[TheRevSFA]

Worst Case - the Vikings let Lakes solve the stadium issue.

[NoDak 4 Ever]

this is bull****.

Vikings will not move, worst case scenario, Wilf sells the vikings to Glen Taylor (owns the timberwolves) and he'll purchase the metrodome for $1 and keep all profits.


or White Earth Tribe will build the casino in the cities and give $400 million upfront!

Keep dreaming buddy.


Glen Taylor knows that investment without the stadium is a total dog. When the Metrodome agreement was signed the Vikings got everything, even during Twins games and it still was **** compared to other teams. It's a simple formula...no stadium - no team.

[dgtw]

I would think so per NFL rules not Big 10 rules. Its funny how some stadiums can serve alcohol to all seating (UND) but some stadiums don't allow alcohol period (NDSU). I can see maybe if its a campus building but when the city owns it (like at NDSU and UND) the rule is stupid.

Is it not the school's call if they want beer sold at the games?

[darell1976]

Is it not the school's call if they want beer sold at the games?

Probably. But its odd how both the Fargodome and the Alerus Center are owned by Fargo and Grand Forks, not NDSU or UND and yet alcohol is banned at the Fargodome but not at the Alerus Center. UND didn't sell alcohol at their former football home, Memorial Stadium, probably because it was a campus building.

[NoDak 4 Ever]

Probably. But its odd how both the Fargodome and the Alerus Center are owned by Fargo and Grand Forks, not NDSU or UND and yet alcohol is banned at the Fargodome but not at the Alerus Center. UND didn't sell alcohol at their former football home, Memorial Stadium, probably because it was a campus building.

You can get a beer at any other event besides a Bison game.

[Hammerhead]

It seems like the NFL model for financial success involves parking revenue for the team owners, something that can't be done in downtown Mpls. Even if the site in Arden Hills doesn't work out, I'll be very surprised if Minnesota lets another professional team go to Los Angeles since there are still people mad the North Stars moved to Dallas.

[Hammerhead]

The PSLs usually start when teams move into a new stadium and weren't around when the Metrodome opened 30 years ago.


Vikings don't have PSL's. Here is a list of teams that do:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Personal_seat_license
I do see the Twins on the list (gotta pay for Target Field somehow.)

[GeauxLions94]

I hated the Cowboys during the Landry/Staubach years but for some reason became a fan of them after Jerry Jones took over and during their glory years.

Guess we're on opposite ends of the spectrum when regarding the Cowboys ... as a kid during the Landry/Staubach years, I was a big fan of the Cowboys (along with the Saints and Steelers). Dallas had great players in Drew Pearson, Tony Dorsett, Billy Joe Dupree, etc. ... they had the Cheerleaders, the Shotgun offense, the O-Line getting set and then would re-set ...

That all changed with Jerry Jones taking ownership of the team and getting rid of the cheerleaders, Tom Landry, Tex Schramm and others. Heck, I've even pulled for the Falcons (which is sacrilegious here) in recent years.


..and no one outside of Houston truly cares about the Texans. God knows I don't...but that's another subject involving their fans.

Houston has an NFL team???