Minnesota Rep Proposes Using Casino Revenue For Vikings Stadium

Hackbarth's Plan Would Use Revenue From A New Casino To Finance New Vikings Stadium

Minnesota State Rep. Tom Hackbarth in new legislation Thursday "proposed using revenue from a new Twin Cities metro casino to build" a new stadium for the Vikings, according to Mike Kaszuba of the Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE. Hackbarth said that his plan "would propose a constitutional amendment, asking voters in 2010 whether revenues from a new casino should be used to finance a new stadium." Hackbarth added that bonds "would be issued to finance the stadium's construction," and that the Vikings "would have to sign at least a 30-year lease and enlist a local government partner to help bring about the project." Hackbarth "acknowledged he had not spoken to the Vikings and had floated a similar proposal five years ago that gained little political traction." Vikings VP/Public Affairs & Stadium Development Lester Bagley said, "We're not advocating for a gaming situation." But Bagley added, "If that's what the state leaders want to use, then let's sit down. At least someone is thinking creatively." Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty's spokesperson, Brian McClung, Thursday said Pawlenty "has said that he isn't interested in gaming" (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 3/6). In St. Paul, Dennis Lien notes state political leaders gave the proposal a "cool reception, but the Vikings, who have been lobbying for public funding for a new stadium, indicated they're heartened that at least something is up for discussion." However, Bagley said that the team is "concerned the issue wouldn't be decided until the fall of 2010" under the proposal (ST. PAUL PIONEER PRESS, 3/6).