New Downtown Vikings Stadium Estimated To Cost $954M

Commission Reviews Details Of Proposed $954M Stadium For Vikings

The Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission (MSFC) on Thursday reviewed a report from S.F.-based Roma Design Group on a new $954M retractable-roof Vikings stadium that would keep the team in Minnesota through 2041. The new facility would be built on the current site of the Metrodome. Roma was charged with envisioning how the stadium can help spur development in the surrounding neighborhood (MSFC). Vikings VP/Public Affairs & Stadium Development Lester Bagley said that Owner Zygi Wilf is “prepared to invest ‘hundreds of millions of dollars’ in revitalizing the downtown east district.” Property owners said that Wilf “has begun negotiations with dozens of area landowners.” In Minneapolis, Paul Levy notes the Vikings pledged $280M last year toward a previous plan for a stadium in Blaine, but they have “been mum on how much they might contribute toward a stadium downtown” (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 4/20).

LITTLE SUPPORT: The AP’s Dave Campbell wrote while the Vikings and the MSFC “have been invited to an informational hearing of the [Minnesota] House Tax Committee next month, the prospect of immediate progress is not strong.” House Minority Leader Marty Seifert, when asked about the chances of a Vikings stadium plan being heard this year, said, “If I checked it for vitals, I’d say it was at the morgue.” Gov. Tim Pawlenty added, “It is easy to draw up plans. The question is who gets to pay for it” (AP, 4/19).

DESIGN CLASS: Several urban designers said that the plan for the new stadium is “a first-rate start — but more of a marketing pitch than a true master plan.” Carolyn Krall of Minneapolis-based Landform Engineering said, “They need a lot of money to make this happen. To do that, they are going to need people to fall in love with the new stadium. The interior view does that; the exterior not so much” (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 4/20).