Update on New Plan for Vikings Stadium

Governor Mark Dayton said that the Minnesota Vikings bill for a stadium in Ramsey county was "incomplete and unsatisfactory."

State and county officials are frustrated that the bill has not been addressed. The bill is to have a stadium that would cost 1.1 billion dollars in Arden Hills. The state is having trouble paying back bonds and the governor thinks it will be hard for the state to help fund a stadium. He said he will call a special legislative session if he likes any of the plans.

Well, it looks like we'll still be at the metrodome for the time being! That's good for the Metrodome, which is on life support, and terrible for the Vikings, because they make no money for their home games.

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.

Next Minnesota Governor Will Decide Metrodome Fate

Current Governor Tim Pawlenty will be stepping down at the end of this year. That leaves an election in 2010 for the new governor of Minnesota. Republican Tom Emmer, Democrat Mark Dayton, and Independence candidate Tom Horner are all options as the new governor of Minnesota. Whoever is voted will likely face the next task - Will the Minnesota Vikings get a new stadium? Will the Metrodome be torn down? To answer the first question - if the Minnesota Vikings land a new stadium, then it would likely mean the end to the Metrodome. The Metrodome is used exclusively for the Minnesota Vikings after the Twins left. Stay tuned with the Governor Election and who will decide the Metrodome's fate.