Lawmakers reject bill for new Minnesota Vikings stadium by 9-6, franchise disappointed with outcome
Minnesota Vikings waited with baited breath as voting began on a stadium bill that would provide the franchise with a new $ 975 million stadium.
The result though was not what the franchise expected as the bill was rejected 9-6 by state representatives and left the franchise plans for moving into a new home by 2016 in the doldrums.
Governor Mark Dayton was disappointed in the voting’s outcome and said that he will try his utmost to continue persuading lawmakers over the bill so that the franchise remains in Minnesota and does not move out.
"I've done everything I can think of to persuade people and will continue to do so. If we don't get it this session, we'll get it next session. Sometimes the difficult takes a while, the impossible takes a little longer."
Adding further he warned lawmakers that they have to do something as the Vikings will not stay in Minnesota for long.
"We have to get a stadium next year or the Vikings will leave. It's just as clear as that. We can't have it both ways. We can't not do a new stadium and have the Vikings remain here very long."
The proposal has faced stiff criticism from lawmakers who believe that the bill does not provide many incentives to tax-payers to fund part of the costs.
The Vikings have been lobbying for a new home for years since they argue that their current Metrodome site does not provide enough revenues to help the franchise keep pace with rival teams in the National Football League.
Vikings representative, Lester Bagley who is also in-charge of negotiations with the state over the stadium proposal was frustrated by the decision and told reporters.
"I guess I would ask the state, what else would you expect us to do? What else can we do?"
Fans of the Vikings will be disappointed with the outcome as it leaves the franchise with little choice other than to consider relocating to a new city if the bill is not passed at a new session.
The franchise will be wooed by cities such as Los Angeles who have been trying to gain a NFL franchise for a long time and are in the process of constructing a new stadium.
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