A deal for a new Vikings stadium in Ramsey County "appeared closer on Wednesday but still out of reach amid some signs that the negotiators might be resolving the key sticking points that have stymied them for weeks," according to Kaszuba & Olson of the Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE. Sources early yesterday indicated that "stadium negotiators had dropped the cost of the $1 billion proposed project by nearly $200 million while the Vikings had upped their contribution from $407 million." In addition, Ramsey County, the team and the state of Minnesota "had come to an agreement on who would own and operate the stadium in suburban Arden Hills." But state Rep. Morrie Lanning, the chief House author of the stadium legislation, said yesterday afternoon, "We still don't have a deal. And, frankly, nothing would be announced anyway. Even if we had it, it wouldn't be announced until after the (state) budget (deficit) is resolved." Vikings VP/Public Affairs & Stadium Development Lester Bagley "dismissed the notion that an agreement was close." He said, "There are no hard and fast numbers. Ideas are being exchanged every day" (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 6/30). More Bagley: "We're still working, but we're not there. At this point, we don't have a proposal that everyone agrees on" (ST. PAUL PIONEER PRESS, 6/30).
NOT UNDER MY ROOF: In Minneapolis, Sid Hartman reports the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission "has not renewed with the insurance company that paid for the new roof" at the Metrodome. The MSFC has "signed with a group that includes Lloyd's of London and Endurance Insurance at a cost of $775,000" (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 6/30).
