The NFL is Making Progress on the Lockout Which Means...

That I'm really excited about football. More importantly, I'm really excited about the Vikings. Hopefully they get this thing figured out sooon so that new Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder can practice with his teammates before the home opener.

The home opener is September 18th and against the Tampa Bay Bucaneers. They have an exciting young quarterback in Josh Freeman, who looks like a 13 year old boy in a 6-5 man's body. Nevertheless he is a very good player and it should be a very good game. Naturally, Adrian Peterson will do whatever he wants against the Bucaneers.

Looking for tickets to the Vikings home opener? Buy tickets from Ticket King! They have tons of great packages and provide very good service.

NFL Lockout is Still Underway, but I can't Wait for the Vikings!

Yeah, yeah so the NFL Lockout is still going on. Talks have progressed, but there is still a lot for the two sides to hash out. Here are a couple of things I would like to say to both sides trying to figure this out.

To the players: I know you want more of your contracts to be be guaranteed and to be paid in retirement, but you have to understand how much it costs the owners to run your teams. Without them paying the checks, you really aren't worth anything

To the owners: You realize your leverage is dwindling right? The closer you get to the season the more risk you run of losing actual games in a season. Sure, NFL players careers are short, but that's because they get beat up playing these games. With the time off they can recover and most of them have enough money to sustain a lockout like this.

Sign Terrelle Pryor

I like Christian Ponder and am okay with him being the Vikings quarterback, but the Vikings should sign Terrelle Pryor. It's a low risk - high reward move. Pryor's value isn't very high yet he has the ability to be a very good quarterback in the NFL. How can a little competition hurt Ponder? Pryor won't come at a very high price and he might turn out to be really good. Considering the Vikings quarterback situation is so uncertain, it would make a lot of sense for them to go after him.

Minnesota Vikings' New Stadium Deal Progresses

Despite reservations held by Minnesota governor Mark Dayton, Rep. Mike Nelson, one of the authors of the Vikings stadium legislation, is encouraged that stadium financing may be passed this year. However, there have been cautionary statements by everyone at the capital that the state's $5 billion budget deficit is the No. 1 priority.

The biggest unresolved issue is the $131 million estimate for needed road improvements in the Arden Hills area to support the increased traffic.

Metrodome almost ready

With news of the Metrodome being ready as early as August 12th be sure to pick up some pre-season tickets for the Vikings through Ticket King. August 27th the Vikings go up against the Dallas Cowboys on Mall of America at 7 pm. Then on September 1st the Vikings take on the Seattle Seahawks on Mall of America at 7pm.

Now What for the Metrodome?

With news of the new Vikings stadium what will happen to the Metrodome in 2-3 years? While it might be a dump, it holds lots of memories for both young and old. The two Twins World Series titles. The 1998 Vikings and the first year Brett Favre suited up in the purple and gold all hold a special place in the hearts of Minnesota sports fans. As bad of a place as it was, I surely miss it. Personally, I was lucky enough to go inside the Metrodome this past year when I went to state for boys soccer when I was the manager for SPA. Being around my friends and getting to step onto the same field many of the greats have stepped on was a chilling experience. All in all it was a really cool place and it will hold a special memory in my heart. How about you? And what do you think we should do with it?

Minnesota Vikings Very Close to Arden Hills Stadium

According to the St. Paul Pioneer Press:

"The Minnesota Vikings are "very, very close" to reaching an agreement with Ramsey County to build a stadium in Arden Hills, a Ramsey County commissioner involved in negotiations told the Pioneer Press on Thursday. "

This is groundbreaking news (pun intended) because that would mean a new stadium for the Minnesota Vikings. Keep an eye on the updates as this one could be important for Minnesota Vikings fans.