Final vote soon on new Minnesota Vikings stadium - NFL News
Debates between lawmakers are over and the Minnesota Vikings have also agreed to stump up $ 50 million more as their share towards the construction costs for a new $ 975 million in downtown Minneapolis. Now only a vote of approval in the state Senate is
all that remains between the franchise and an end to its decade long push for a new stadium.
The news comes as lawmakers finally completed debates on a new version of the bill to put before both Houses for a final vote of approval.
Lawmakers earlier on Wednesday amended the stadium bill which increased the franchise’s contribution to the costs by $ 50 million.
The Vikings’ contribution has been now raised up to $ 477 million towards the stadium, while the state will provide $ 348 million and the final $ 150 contribution will be provided by the Minneapolis city council by redirecting a hospitality tax.
An earlier version of the bill placed the franchise’s contribution at $ 427 million and the Vikings had said that the figure was unchangeable.
However, the Vikings vice president and point-man for stadium negotiations, Lester Bagley has accepted the increase in the franchise’s contribution instead of waiting for better terms following instructions from team owners Mark and Zygi Wilf.
"It is a heavy lift but it is the right thing to do for Minnesota,"
The team plans to move into its new home by 2016 following the approval of the state subsidy.
According to ESPN.com the bill details that the Vikings will sign a 30-year lease for the new stadium and the team will have to pay $ 13 million in annual payments.
Government authorities will also have the right to rent out the stadium for other events such as concerts on days when the Vikings don’t play.
The franchise can also upgrade the stadium with a retractable roof but at its own cost.
A vote is expected soon on the bill and it is likely to be passed quickly by lawmakers.
This marks the end of the Vikings long quest for a new home and the franchise is set to remain in the state which will be music to the ears of fans who have waited with baited breath for the bill’s approval.
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