Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton yesterday said that he might let the Vikings stadium issue “wait until next year’s legislative session,” according to Rochelle Olson of the Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE. The Vikings “had hoped to have the stadium plan included in the special session that started” yesterday, but those hopes were “quickly dashed.” Dayton said the plan was “not ready to be considered at this point.” Dayton added that he “might consider calling a second special session in the fall” to deal with the Vikings stadium. Vikings and Ramsey County officials “reacted grimly” to Dayton’s comments. Vikings VP/Public Affairs & Stadium Development Lester Bagley said, “We are assessing our options.” Ramsey County Commissioner Tony Bennett said, “What would you do if you had a chance to move to a new stadium (elsewhere) or fight the politics in Minnesota? I think any businessperson would recommend they be gone." Still, Minnesota state Sen. Julie Rosen, one of the stadium bill’s lead authors, said that “delaying it until the regular session in 2012 -- a year in which every legislator is up for re-election -- would not jeopardize its chances" (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 7/20). Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission Chair Ted Mondale said, “The clock simply ran out on us. I’m still optimistic we can get it done this fall” (ST. PAUL PIONEER PRESS, 7/20). In St. Paul, Tom Powers writes the Vikings “will get their stadium.” Powers: “Progress has been made. A site and a local partner have been established. Financing figures have been tossed around. Infrastructure has been addressed. It’s going to happen.” The Metrodome lease expires after this season, but Powers writes, “Big deal. It’s not like they’re going to knock down the facility. It’ll be there. Where do you think the Vikings will play while a new stadium is under construction?” (TWINCITIES.com, 7/20).
SUMMER LANDSCAPING: The STAR TRIBUNE's Olson reports in addition to the recently inflated new roof, the Metrodome "requires new turf because of damage from the roof collapse in the winter." MSFC Exec Dir Bill Lester said that an independent report to be submitted today "shows the turf spent too much time under water to remain viable." The MSFC tomorrow is "expected to select a bid to replace the turf" before the Vikings' preseason home opener on Aug. 27. Lester said that an insurance claim for replacement costs "has been submitted, but that he didn't know whether it would be covered" (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 7/20).
